After announcing Monday that he was gay, NBA center Jason Collins has said he received an overwhelming amount of support, but a phone call from President Barack Obama may have been the one of the most meaningful responses he's received.
According to CBS News, President Obama offered congratulations and support for Collins' courage and willingness to be the first athlete in the four dominant pro sports to make such an announcement.
President Obama wasn't the only member in the White House to express his support as First Lady Michelle Obama also showed her support for Collins on Twitter Monday.
"So proud of you, Jason Collins! This is a huge step forward for our country. We've got your back!" she tweeted, signing it "-mo," which indicates she - not an aide - sent the message.
Collins, 34, revealed that revealed that he never intended to break the barrier but wasn't going to hide who he was any longer.
I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay.
"I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn't the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, "I'm different." If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand.
"My journey of self-discovery and self-acknowledgement began in my hometown of Los Angeles and has taken me through two state high school championships, the NCAA Final Four and the Elite Eight, and nine playoffs in 12 NBA seasons."
To read more of what Collins had to say, click here, or wait until the new issue of Sports Illustrated appears on newsstands on May 6, 2013.
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