NBA-er Jason Collins Met With Hillary Clinton Before Coming Out

Out NBA player Jason Collins

Former NBA player Jason Collins addressed last night's Democratic National Convention telling the crowd that Hillary Clinton was a source of support when he made the decision to come out.

Collins has known the Clinton family for years ever since he attended Stanford University with Chelsea Clinton.

Collins, the first openly gay player in a major American league sport, shared with the audience that he met with the Clintons privately before coming out.

From The Advocate:

“I've known their family for almost 20 years,” Collins said. “I knew that they would accept me for who I was and that they would help pave a path for others to do the same. I am forever grateful for their words of wisdom back then and their unconditional support. They knew that my sexual orientation made no difference in my ability to play basketball.”

“My dream was to play in the NBA and live my authentic life as a proud gay man at the same time,” Collins said. “I was able to accomplish both of those goals because of the people who have supported me throughout my life.”

Since leaving the league, the now retired player has become an advocate for LGBT rights, most recently praising the NBA for moving the 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte.