hite House praises Jason Collins for coming out...(Will Obama play with him?)

The White House applauded National Basketball Association player Jason Collins, who on Monday became the first active male player in a major American sport to announce he was gay.

“We view that as another example of the progress that has been made and the evolution that has been taking place,” White House press secretary Jay Carney said, praising the "courage" of the National Basketball Association veteran.

Carney said that he had not spoken with President Obama about the development but that the White House welcomes the news and hopes NBA players will support Collins.

During his re-election bid, Obama came out in favor of gay marriage, noting a personal “evolution” on the issue. More recently, Obama’s Justice Department urged the Supreme Court to overturn California’s ban on same-sex matrimony.

Collins made the disclosure in an article posted online for Sports Illustrated. The 34-year-old has played 12 seasons in the NBA, including last year with the Washington Wizards.


[link to washingtonexaminer.com]