Obama, Clinton praise gay NBA player

A big story in sports Monday is the coming out of gay professional basketball player Jason Collins, a development that inspired statements from President Obama and former president Bill Clinton.

Obama called Collins "to express his support and said he was impressed by his courage," said White House spokesman Josh Earnest.

Earlier in the day, White House press secretary Jay Carney also saluted Collins for his courage, and that "we view that as another example of the progress that has been made and the evolution that has been taking place in this country, and commend him for his courage, and support him this effort."

In a written statement, Clinton said, "Jason's announcement today is an important moment for professional sports and in the history of the LGBT community."

Collins, a 12-year NBA veteran who has played for the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards, writes in the new edition of Sports Illustrated that "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."

In his statement, Clinton noted that Collins attended Stanford along with Clinton's daughter, Chelsea.

The former president also tweeted: "I'm proud to call Jason Collins a friend."

Clinton's statement:

"I have known Jason Collins since he was Chelsea's classmate and friend at Stanford.

"Jason's announcement today is an important moment for professional sports and in the history of the LGBT community. It is also the straightforward statement of a good man who wants no more than what so many of us seek: to be able to be who we are; to do our work; to build families and to contribute to our communities.

"For so many members of the LGBT community, these simple goals remain elusive. I hope that everyone, particularly Jason's colleagues in the NBA, the media and his many fans extend to him their support and the respect he has earned."