NBA's Jason Collins comes out as gay
- 11 years ago
PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL
Smashing through one of the final frontiers in U.S. sports, a veteran basketball player has announced he's gay.
Jason Collins has become the first active player to come out publicly as gay from any of the men's four major sports leagues in the U.S..
In an account published in a magazine, Collins says he'd become frustrated with keeping his sexuality silent.
The move has triggered a wave of admiration from fellow sports players to some politicians.
The White House says President Barack Obama called Collins to express his support.
SOUNDBITE: (English) WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN JAY CARNEY SAYING:
"I can certainly tell you that here at the White House we view that as another example of the progress that has been made and the evolution that has been taking place in this country, and commend him for his courage, and support him in his -- in this effort and hope that his fans and his team support him
Smashing through one of the final frontiers in U.S. sports, a veteran basketball player has announced he's gay.
Jason Collins has become the first active player to come out publicly as gay from any of the men's four major sports leagues in the U.S..
In an account published in a magazine, Collins says he'd become frustrated with keeping his sexuality silent.
The move has triggered a wave of admiration from fellow sports players to some politicians.
The White House says President Barack Obama called Collins to express his support.
SOUNDBITE: (English) WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN JAY CARNEY SAYING:
"I can certainly tell you that here at the White House we view that as another example of the progress that has been made and the evolution that has been taking place in this country, and commend him for his courage, and support him in his -- in this effort and hope that his fans and his team support him