Jason Collins The tennis player who made history when she came out in 1981 says NBA player Jason Collins’ revelation he is gay will save lives. Eighteen-times Grand Slam singles champion Martina Navratilova has written in Sports Illustrated that it’s a ‘game changer.’ “One of the last bastions of homophobia has been challenged. How many LGBT kids, once closeted, are now more likely to pursue a team sport and won't be scared away by a straight culture?” Navratilova says the basketballer has led the way to freedom from the suffocating closet. “Collins' action will save lives. This is no exaggeration: Fully one third of suicides among teenagers occur because of their sexuality. Collins will truly affect lives, too. Millions of kids will see that it is OK to be gay. No need for shame, no need for embarrassment, no need for hiding.” She hopes there will now be an avalanche: “Come out, come out wherever and whoever you are. It is beautiful out here and I guarantee you this: You will never, ever want to go back. You will only wonder why it took so long.” President Barack Obama, a huge basketball fan, called Collins to “express his support” and said he was “impressed by his courage,” an aide told the Washington Blade. First lady Michelle Obama also praised Collins via Twitter, saying, “So proud of you, Jason Collins! This is a huge step forward for our country. We’ve got your back!” President Bill Clinton has also lauded Collins, who he has known since he was a friend of his daughter Chelsea at Stanford University. “Jason’s announcement today is an important moment for professional sports and in the history of the LGBT community,” Clinton says. “It is also the straightforward statement of a good man who wants no more than what so many of us seek: to be able to be who we are; to do our work; to build families and to contribute to our communities. “For so many members of the LGBT community, these simple goals remain elusive. I hope that everyone, particularly Jason’s colleagues in the NBA, the media and his many fans extend to him their support and the respect he has earned.” While Collins is currently a free agent, his last team the Washington Wizards has released a statement expressing pride in his decision to live his life proudly and openly. “He has been a leader on and off the court and an outstanding teammate throughout his NBA career. Those qualities will continue to serve him both as a player and as a positive role model for others of all sexual orientation.” While he’s been fined in the past for using an anti-gay slur against a referee, NBA superstar Kobe Bryant has been quick to support Collins "Proud of jasoncollins34. Don't suffocate who u r because of the ignorance of others,” the Laker has tweeted. Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets, who has lesbian mums, wrote, “Wow this is amazing all smiles. So so happy Jason Collins came out