HoopsHype.com Rumors

Nicolas Batum: I have to respect @jasoncollins34 . Hope people will respect his decision and respect for the courage it took.#support#respect#NBAfamily Twitter @nicolas88batum

Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Wizards, Jason Collins, Nicolas Batum 

Rob Fischer: Practice- @memgrizz Keyon Dooling, who came out this year saying he was molested, on Jason Collins, "Every individual has their own battle" Twitter

Memphis Grizzlies, Washington Wizards, Keyon Dooling, Jason Collins 

Rob Fischer: Practice- more Dooling on Collins, "NBA is a brotherhood. If one of our brothers goes through something, we wanna be there to support him" Twitter

Memphis Grizzlies, Washington Wizards, Keyon Dooling, Jason Collins 

Bucks guard J.J. Redick was asked about Collins' decision to talk about his sexual preference. "I'm proud of him," Redick said. "I know it's not an easy thing to do, obviously. He showed a lot of courage to come out in the sporting world, in this environment is a very difficult thing. Props to him. "It doesn't change in any way how I view him or feel about him. If anything, it's a really good thing for our culture." Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Wizards, JJ Redick, Jason Collins 

Chris Mannix: Lawrence Frank, Collins coach for years in NJ, calls any potential locker room issues with Collins "non-issues." Twitter

Washington Wizards, Lawrence Frank, Jason Collins 

Jeanie Buss: I'm proud of Jason Collins. I believe that gender, race or sexual orientation should not be a factor in judging a person or their ability. Twitter @JeanieBuss

Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, Jason Collins, Owners, Jeanie Buss 

Bradley Beal: Proud of @Jason Collins for expressing his feelings! Great teammate, mentor and better person !! #liveyourlife ! Twitter @RealDealBeal23

Washington Wizards, Jason Collins, Bradley Beal 

Mark Berman: Kevin Durant on Jason Collins: "If the guy's happy with whatever he does that's cool with me. Nobody has the right to judge. I support him." Twitter @MarkBermanFox26

Oklahoma City Thunder, Washington Wizards, Kevin Durant, Jason Collins 

Tony Parker: Really hope people will RESPECT Jason Collins for his decision to come out. Just glad he can now relax and not be afraid to be who he is. Twitter @tonyparker

San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards, Tony Parker, Jason Collins 

David West: My only issue with Collins is his "Im Black" buffer... Twitter @D_West30

Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, Jason Collins, David West 

Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers released the following statement on Jason Collins, who revealed in Sports Illustrated that he is gay: "I am extremely happy and proud of Jason Collins. He’s a pro’s pro. He is the consummate professional and he is one of my favorite “team” players I have ever coached. If you have learned anything from Jackie Robinson, it is that teammates are always the first to accept. It will be society who has to learn tolerance. One of my favorite sayings is, 'I am who I am, are whom we are, can be what I want to be it's not up to you, it’s just me being me.'" ESPN.com

Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, Doc Rivers, Jason Collins 

Marc Stein: Word is Celts, for the record, tried everything to keep Jason Collins OUT of trade w/Wiz & only caved when deal couldn't happen otherwise Twitter @ESPNSteinLine

Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, Jason Collins 

Chris Mannix: NBA GM on if Collins coming out would influence decision to sign him: "Nope." Assistant GM on if it will influence any team: "It shouldn't." Twitter @ChrisMannixSI

Washington Wizards, Free Agency, Jason Collins 

Shaun Powell: NBA personnel guy said Jason Collins' announcement will have no affect on free agency status. Twitter @Powell2daPeople

Washington Wizards, Free Agency, Jason Collins 

Vincent Goodwill: Collins is a FA and I highly doubt anybody wouldn't sign him bc of this. Gay players in the NBA isn't exactly a secret among locker rooms Twitter @vgoodwill

Washington Wizards, Free Agency, Jason Collins 

Brian Mahoney: Stern, last Thu on when NBA had gay player. "We'd like everything to get the same attention that Britney Griner got, which was very little.” Twitter @briancmahoney

Washington Wizards, David Stern, Jason Collins, Brittney Griner 

Mark Berman: Chandler Parsons on Jason Collins: "Everyone is entitled to the way they live their life. It's very brave of him to even come out with it." Twitter @MarkBermanFox26

Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Jason Collins, Chandler Parsons 

Jason Collins: 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. I wish I wasn't the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, "I'm different." If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand. SI.com

Washington Wizards, Jason Collins 

Jason Collins: Now I'm a free agent, literally and figuratively. I've reached that enviable state in life in which I can do pretty much what I want. And what I want is to continue to play basketball. I still love the game, and I still have something to offer. My coaches and teammates recognize that. At the same time, I want to be genuine and authentic and truthful. SI.com

Washington Wizards, Free Agency, Jason Collins 

Jason Collins: I'm not afraid to take on any opponent. I love playing against the best. Though Shaquille O'Neal is a Hall of Famer, I never shirked from the challenge of trying to frustrate the heck out of him. (Note to Shaq: My flopping has nothing to do with being gay.) My mouthpiece is in, and my wrists are taped. Go ahead, take a swing -- I'll get up. I hate to say it, and I'm not proud of it, but I once fouled a player so hard that he had to leave the arena on a stretcher. SI.com

Washington Wizards, Shaquille O'Neal, Jason Collins