NBA star Jason Collins thanks fans for support after coming out

NBA star Jason Collins today said he hoped he could be a role model for youngsters after coming out as the first openly gay player in one of the four major U.S. pro sports leagues.

Collins also thanked the public for their support following his decision to come out as gay.

The NBA star confirmed his sexuality in an article for the latest edition of Sports Illustrated.

Collins, who received a telephone call from President Barack Obama after his piece was published online, took to his Twitter page to thank his followers for their backing.

“All the support I have received today is truly inspirational,” he wrote. “I knew that I was choosing the road less travelled but I’m not walking it alone.”

“Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me thru email, texts, calls, tweets, letters, and every other form of communication.”

The 34-year-old center, who is currently a free agent after spending last season with the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards, said he expects future team-mates to welcome him.

“From my team-mates I am expecting support because that is what I would do for my team-mates, team is like a family and the NBA is like a brotherhood and I am looking it at that we will all support each other on and off the court.”

“I think, I know, in my personal life, I’m ready and I think the country is ready for supporting an openly gay basketball player.”

Organisers of the Boston Pride Parade have already offered Collins the role of leading the event, saying earlier: “Boston Pride is proud that our annual celebration helped to inspire Jason Collins to make his groundbreaking decision to come out.”