That screening of 42 really did affect President Obama. On Monday night the president called Jason Collins, who came out as gay earlier that day—the first pro athlete to do so. A White House aide said Obama offered support and congratulated the NBA player. Collins, 34, revealed he is gay on Monday in a cover story for Sports Illustrated, and he cited his college roommate U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III in influencing his decision to come out. The two will march in the Boston Gay Pride Parade. Collins has mostly been met with praise for his decision, although ESPN reporter Chris Broussard stood out by saying being gay is an “open rebellion to God.”
