General Discussion

DonViejo

(60,536 posts) Mon Apr 29, 2013, 05:10 PM Apr 2013

White House Commends Jason Collins ‘For His Courage’

IGOR BOBIC 12:50 PM EDT, MONDAY APRIL 29, 2013

White House press secretary Jay Carney pointed to NBA center Jason Collins as the first athlete of a major league to come out on Monday as "another example of the progress that has been made" on gay rights.

"We commend him for his courage and support him in this effort," Carney told reporters at a daily briefing.

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http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/white-house-commends-jason-collins-for-his-courage

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Kobe Bryant ‘Proud’ Of Jason Collins For Coming Out

TOM KLUDT 12:09 PM EDT, MONDAY APRIL 29, 2013
Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant on Monday applauded veteran Washington Wizards center Jason Collins, who became the first active player in all major American sporting leagues to come out of the closet.

Bryant, the fourth leading scorer in NBA history, passed along his well-wishes to Collins via Twitter:

Kobe Bryant ✔ @kobebryant

Proud of @jasoncollins34. Don't suffocate who u r because of the ignorance of others #courage #support #mambaarmystandup #BYOU
12:01 PM - 29 Apr 2013

It wasn't the first time Bryant took a stand in defense of the LGBT community on Twitter. In February, the former MVP and five-time NBA champion reprimanded a Twitter follower who had used a homophobic slur.

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http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/kobe-bryant-proud-jason-collins-for-coming-out

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Bill Clinton Praises NBA’s Jason Collins For Coming Out

IGOR BOBIC 11:47 AM EDT, MONDAY APRIL 29, 2013

Former President Bill Clinton praised his daughter's friend Jason Collins, a 34-year-old active center in the NBA, for becoming the first athlete in the major leagues to come out on Monday.

"I have known Jason Collins since he was Chelsea's classmate and friend at Stanford," Clinton said in a statement. "Jason's announcement today is an important moment for professional sports and in the history of the LGBT community. It is also the straightforward statement of a good man who wants no more than what so many of us seek: to be able to be who we are; to do our work; to build families and to contribute to our communities. For so many members of the LGBT community, these simple goals remain elusive. I hope that everyone, particularly Jason's colleagues in the NBA, the media and his many fans extend to him their support and the respect he has earned."

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http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/bill-clinton-praises-nbas-jason-collins-for-coming

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Rep. Joe Kennedy Says He’s ‘Proud’ Of Jason Collins

HUNTER WALKER 12:02 PM EDT, MONDAY APRIL 29, 2013

Rep. Joe Kennedy (D-MA) issued a statement of support after his former roommate at Stanford University, NBA center Jason Collins, came out in an article written for Sports Illustrated Monday.

“For as long as I've known Jason Collins he has been defined by three things: his passion for the sport he loves, his unwavering integrity, and the biggest heart you will ever find," said Kennedy. "Without question or hesitation, he gives everything he's got to those of us lucky enough to be in his life. I'm proud to stand with him today and proud to call him a friend.”

By coming out, Collins became the first openly gay athlete in a major American team sport. In his article he said his decision was partly motivated by being unable to join when Kennedy marched in the 2012 Gay Pride parade in Boston. Collins said he plans to march in the parade this year.

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http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/rep-joe-kennedy-says-hes-proud-of-jason

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Michelle Obama To NBA’s Jason Collins: ‘We’ve Got Your Back!’

IGOR BOBIC 5:08 PM EDT, MONDAY APRIL 29, 2013
The First Lady offered her support to NBA center Jason Collins, who became the first major league athlete to come out on Monday.