Obama Calls, Congratulates NBA Star For Admitting He is Homosexual

Photo Credit: Mark Wilson/Getty ImagesPresident Obama called the NBA center Monday evening to express his support and said he was impressed by his courage.

President Obama telephoned professional basketball player Jason Collins on Monday to congratulate him for coming out as the first openly gay player on a major U.S. sports team.

According to a White House aide, the president called Collins Monday evening to express his support and said he was impressed by his courage.

Collins, 34, is a veteran NBA center who played for the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards during the 2012-13 season. He is currently a free agent. In a piece for this week’s Sports Illustrated, he admitted to being gay. He cited Rep. Joseph Kennedy (D-Mass.) as inspiring his decision to go public.

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