HoopsHype.com Rumors

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 

Jason Collins: Some people insist they've never met a gay person. But Three Degrees of Jason Collins dictates that no NBA player can claim that anymore. Pro basketball is a family. And pretty much every family I know has a brother, sister or cousin who's gay. In the brotherhood of the NBA, I just happen to be the one who's out. SI.com

Washington Wizards, Jason Collins 

NBA Commissioner David Stern statement on Jason Collins: "As Adam Silver and I said to Jason, we have known the Collins family since Jason and Jarron joined the NBA in 2001 and they have been exemplary members of the NBA family. Jason has been a widely respected player and teammate throughout his career and we are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue.” Sulia

Washington Wizards, David Stern, Jason Collins, Adam Silver 

Kobe Bryant: Proud of @jasoncollins34. Don't suffocate who u r because of the ignorance of others #courage #support #mambaarmystandup #BYOU Twitter @kobebryant

Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, Kobe Bryant, Jason Collins 

Baron Davis: I am so proud of my bro @jasoncollins34 for being real. #FTheHaters http://bit.ly/12J9el5 Twitter @Baron_Davis

Washington Wizards, Jason Collins, Baron Davis 

Nancy Armour: Bucks rookie John Henson says wont think differently of @jasoncollins34. "He's one of us, an NBA player, and we have to treat him like that" Twitter

Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Wizards, Jason Collins, John Henson