Jason Collins 'Good Morning America Interview' VIDEO: Huge Weight Lifted
Washington Wizards center Jason Collins gave his first interview to Good Morning America after announcing he was gay.
Collins sat down with ABC News' George Stephanopoulos on Monday evening. The interview aired Tuesday morning on GMA. Collins said he was relieved that the truth was known to the world. He was hearted by the reaction of him being the first openly male gay athlete in the NBA.
"I know that I, right now, am the happiest that I've ever been in my life," he said.
"A huge weight has been lifted. I've already been out to my family and my friends, but just to, you know, sort of rip the Band-Aid off and come out on my own terms."
Collins said he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support since his sexuality was revealed on Sports Illustrated's website Monday. In the article, he wrote, "I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay."
NBA superstar Kobe Bryant tweeted his support and first lady Michelle Obama also offered encouraging words. President Obama called the free agent as well.
"It's incredible. You just try to live an honest, genuine life and next thing you know you have the president calling you," Collins said.
"[President Obama] was incredibly supportive and he was proud of me. And said that this not only affected my life, but others going forward," he said.
Collins became a household name overnight with his admission. However, he did not intend to be the first. He spoke of waiting for someone else to serve as a symbol but it never happened.
"You're sort of waiting around for somebody else to raise their hand," he said.
Collins said he was finally ready to raise his hand, but still held out hope that others would want to as well.
"You still look around like, 'OK, come on, guys.' It's time for someone else in the room to raise their hand and say, 'You know what? Yeah, so big deal," he said.
"I can still play basketball. I can still help the team win, and that's what's most important."
Collins said that he did not want to be judged on his orientation, but what he can bring to a team. He also expected the support of his fellow players.
"The NBA is like a brotherhood," he said.
"And I'm looking at it that we'll all support each other on and off the court."
