Obama Phones Collins, Praises Him for Coming Out

In a show of support for Jason Collins, President Obama telephoned the NBA player on Monday to congratulate him for revealing his homosexuality, thus making him the first openly gay player on a major U.S. sports team.

According to a White House aide, Obama congratulated Collins and told him he was impressed by his courage.

In an article he wrote for this week's Sports Illustrated, Collins admitted to being gay. He cited Rep. Joseph Kennedy, D-Mass., as the inspiration behind his decision to come out.

Earlier in the day, White House press secretary Jay Carney also praised Collins.

“Here at the White House we view this as another example of the progress we've made and the evolution that has taken place,” Carney said.

“We commend him on his courage and support him in this effort and hope that his fans and his team support him going forward.”

Collins becomes the first active male player in the four major American professional sports to come out.