HoopsHype.com Rumors

The Democratic National Committee says NBA veteran Jason Collins will headline its annual lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender gala. Last week, Collins became the first active player in any of four major U.S. professional sports leagues to come out as gay. President Barack Obama called the 34-year-old athlete the same day to congratulate him and tell him he was proud of his courage. The DNC says first lady Michelle Obama will also attend the May 29 fundraiser in New York. Tickets start at $1,250 per person and go up to $32,400 per couple to chair the event. SportsNet

Jason Collins, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama 

Jason Collins, the NBA player who came out as gay last week, is putting himself out there in the name of Democratic Party politics. Collins will headline a May 29 fundraiser with first lady Michelle Obama and Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz at the party’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Leadership Council gala event. Detroit Free Press

Jason Collins, Michelle Obama 

President Obama called NBA player Jason Collins Monday to offer his support after Collins announced he's gay, becoming the first openly gay major league professional athlete, CBS News Chief White House Correspondent Major Garrett has learned. The president offered congratulations and support on Collins' courage and willingness to be the first in the four dominant pro sports to make this announcement. First lady Michelle Obama also showed her support for Collins on Twitter Monday. CBS News

Jason Collins, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama 

Jeanie Buss: Dear Michelle: @MichelleObama Have you ever been made to feel that believing in & supporting your man is a bad thing? Need advice. ;) Jeanie Twitter @JeanieBuss

Los Angeles Lakers, Jeanie Buss, Michelle Obama 

Kyle Lowry: Michele Obama just was amazing Twitter

Toronto Raptors, Kyle Lowry, Michelle Obama 

Allan Houston: First Lady Obama: True Class and Grace..!! Twitter

Allan Houston, Michelle Obama 

Damien Wilkins: Michelle OBOSS!!!! Twitter

Damien Wilkins, Michelle Obama 

Jamal Crawford: Michelle Obama is killing this speech.. Twitter

Los Angeles Clippers, Jamal Crawford, Michelle Obama 

Mario Chalmers: In DC at the hotel chillin watchin DNC. I want a strong black woman like Michelle. She hold Obama down no matter wat. Twitter

Miami Heat, Mario Chalmers, Michelle Obama 

Carmelo Anthony doesn’t think Michelle Obama is a Knicks fan, but the First Lady apparently likes Melo’s style. After a photo of the pair hugging appeared on the front page of yesterday’s Post, Anthony revealed Michelle Obama whispered nice words of encouragement to him in the embrace. “She told me to continue being happy and keep smiling,’’ said Anthony, who is known being carefree on the court. “She’s a Melo fan.’’ New York Post

New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony, USA Basketball, Team USA, Michelle Obama