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NBA Players React To Jason Collins Coming Out

Jason Collins of the Washington Wizards just came out as gay in the latest issue of Sports Illustrated. Now the NBA world sounds off.

Reaction from his team:

#Wizards Statement "We are extremely proud of Jason & support his decision to live his life proudly and openly." More http://t.co/RJ46mXXGBo

#Wizards Statement "We are extremely proud of Jason & support his decision to live his life proudly and openly." More http://t.co/RJ46mXXGBo-- Washington Wizards

The NBA:

NBA Commissioner David Stern statement re: Washington Wizards center Jason Collins announcement today: (1/4)

NBA Commissioner David Stern statement re: Washington Wizards center Jason Collins announcement today: (1/4)-- NBA

“As Adam Silver and I said to Jason, we have known the Collins family since Jason and Jarron joined the NBA in 2001 (2/4)

“As Adam Silver and I said to Jason, we have known the Collins family since Jason and Jarron joined the NBA in 2001 (2/4)-- NBA

and they have been exemplary members of the NBA family. Jason has been a widely respected player and teammate throughout (3/4)

and they have been exemplary members of the NBA family. Jason has been a widely respected player and teammate throughout (3/4)-- NBA

his career and we are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue.” #NBAFamily (4/4)

his career and we are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue.” #NBAFamily (4/4)-- NBA

Fellow players, both active and former:

I am so proud of my bro @jasoncollins34 for being real. #FTheHaters http://t.co/IugkyZLS9y

I am so proud of my bro @jasoncollins34 for being real. #FTheHaters http://t.co/IugkyZLS9y-- Baron Davis

Proud of @jasoncollins34. Don't suffocate who u r because of the ignorance of others #courage #support #mambaarmystandup #BYOU

Proud of @jasoncollins34. Don't suffocate who u r because of the ignorance of others #courage #support #mambaarmystandup #BYOU-- Kobe Bryant

Congratulations to Jason - society couldn't hope for a more eloquent & positive role model: http://t.co/PpLbCmiQq8

Congratulations to Jason - society couldn't hope for a more eloquent & positive role model: http://t.co/PpLbCmiQq8-- John Amaechi OBE

Great character from a great family! That's all that matters! @jasoncollins34 #respect

Great character from a great family! That's all that matters! @jasoncollins34 #respect-- Earl J Watson

Very proud of and happy for one of the coolest and most down to earth guys I know @jasoncollins34. #Fwhatpplthink

Very proud of and happy for one of the coolest and most down to earth guys I know @jasoncollins34. #Fwhatpplthink-- Damien Wilkins

The time has come. Maximum respect. RT @Baron_Davis: I am so proud of my bro @jasoncollins34 for being real. ... http://t.co/7t29rY3rU3

The time has come. Maximum respect. RT @Baron_Davis: I am so proud of my bro @jasoncollins34 for being real. ... http://t.co/7t29rY3rU3-- Steve Nash

His twin brother:

http://t.co/CPAecC2Hk6 very proud of you @jasoncollins34

http://t.co/CPAecC2Hk6 very proud of you @jasoncollins34-- jarron collins

You never know what a new day brings. Hope everyone has a good week and is able to handle the challenges and obstacles that they may face.

You never know what a new day brings. Hope everyone has a good week and is able to handle the challenges and obstacles that they may face.-- jarron collins

Athletes outside the NBA:

Big kudos to @JasonCollins34. Living proof that your sexuality has nothing to do with your athletic ability. http://t.co/jvmVzBNJWW #salute

Big kudos to @JasonCollins34. Living proof that your sexuality has nothing to do with your athletic ability. http://t.co/jvmVzBNJWW #salute-- Chris Kluwe

Congrats and its Great to see NBA player Jason Collins comes out as gay, first active athlete in the USA big leagues!!! @StandUpFdn

Congrats and its Great to see NBA player Jason Collins comes out as gay, first active athlete in the USA big leagues!!! @StandUpFdn-- Ben Cohen

By @jasoncollins34 opening doors & doing it his way on his time he has helped shape a more accepting America. May many more follow #courage

By @jasoncollins34 opening doors & doing it his way on his time he has helped shape a more accepting America. May many more follow #courage-- Brendon Ayanbadejo

Well done Jason Collins- you are a brave man. And a big man at that:) 1981 was the year for me- 2013 is the year for you:)

Well done Jason Collins- you are a brave man. And a big man at that:) 1981 was the year for me- 2013 is the year for you:)-- Martina Navratilova