What Does NBA Player’s Coming Out Mean to You?

"I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay," says Jason Collins in a story set to be published in the May 6 issue of Sports Illustrated.

The pro basketball veteran has been a member of six teams in 12 seasons in the league, including three in Atlanta—he last donned a Hawks jersey during the 2011-2012 season. But many are likely to deem his coming out as something bigger than his on-the-court career, as he has become the first male U.S. athlete in a major professional sport to declare that he is 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,” Collins told Sports Illustrated.

Collins’ announcement was lauded by several of his former teammates, opponents from throughout his career, members of the sports media and former President Bill Clinton. Even current President Barack Obama had something to say in the wake of the announcement, as the commander-in-chief reportedly called Collins on Monday to "express his support" and tell him "he was impressed by his courage."

Do you think Collins’ coming out will have an impact on professional sports? What about the country’s attitude to homosexuals?

Share what’s on your mind with us, and then return here to see what your neighbors in Bartow, Cobb, Douglas and Paulding have said.