MANILA, Philippines – US President Barack Obama says he is "very proud" of NBA player Jason Collins, who recently came out as gay. Obama says it was a sign of progress in the United States. Obama spoke to Collins on the phone on Tuesday, after the player made his announcement in a Sports Illustrated article. Collins played with six NBA teams over his career, but his coming out is a move that’s getting the most attention. The announcement came after the end of the Washington Wizards’ season, and Collins is now a free agent. Mornings @ ANC, May 1, 2013