Jason Collins, the NBA free agent who
came out gay on Monday, says he's “humbled” by the overwhelming
support he has received.
Collins' coming out has been applauded
by President
Barack Obama, First
Lady Michelle Obama and former President
Bill Clinton. A number of athletes
and celebrities have also expressed support.
(Related: NBA's
Jason Collins: First openly gay professional athlete.)
In an interview with cabler TNT,
Collins said it was “amazing” and “overwhelming” to wake up
on Tuesday without having to hide.
“Humbling, the amount of support I've
received,” Collins said. “And I'm truly blessed to have the
people that I have have my back. And just support me and lift me
up.”
“I hope it will encourage others to
live an honest and genuine life.”
“Once you put down that mask and, you
know, live an authentic life, it's liberating. And you don't have to
hide anymore, you can just be yourself.”
Collins added that he's not ready to
retire from the NBA.
“I still have a love for the game and
I still feel that I can offer an NBA ball club, you know, that
veteran leadership. I think I've proven that by doing this, you
know, not only want to talk the talk, but I'll walk the walk.”
(Watch
the segment at CNN.)