Celebs & Athletes Praise Collins for Coming Out

Sports figures and celebrities alike are reacting to the groundbreaking decision by NBA player Jason Collins to become the first major professional athlete to come out as gay. Below is a compilation of some of the latest comments posted on social media.

L.A. Laker Kobe Bryant: "Proud of @jasoncollins34. Don't suffocate who u r because of the ignorance of others."

L.A. Laker Steve Nash: "The time has come. Maximum respect. RT @Baron_Davis: I am so proud of my bro."

Chelsea Clinton, who attended college with Collins: "Very proud of my friend Jason Collins for having the strength & courage to be the first openly gay player in the NBA."

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Bill Clinton: "I'm proud to call Jason Collins a friend."

Ellen DeGeneres: ".@NBA center @JasonCollins34 is the 1st out player on a US major league team. I'm overwhelmed by your bravery, Jason, & sending so much love."

Neil Patrick Harris: "Bravo, @JasonCollins34! Thanks for stepping up. For standing tall. And at 7 feet, that's saying a lot."

Tennis great Martina Navratilova: "It’s not easy to come out when one is still active- shouldn’t be an issue, but it is. That’s why so many don’t do it till after."

RELATED: NBA Player First Major Athlete to Come Out Gay

Spike Lee:  "what's your take on players announcing they are gay??? Jason Collins just did "Beautiful Thing. Be Yourself."

Michael Strahan: "So proud of @jasoncollins34 for having the courage to stand up and out for who he is. I support, respect and salute you!!"

Dwayne Johnson: "Being real & authentic is very powerful. Well done Jason Collins for having the courage to take a monumental step forward."

Elizabeth Banks: "Amazing story! Thanks brave @jasoncollins34: "I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay."