Twitter accounts went crazy when NBA athlete James Collins made history on Monday by coming out as the first openly gay, black, pro-athlete. This is the first time a male athlete in a major American pro-sport team came out as being gay while still an active player.

“I’m a 34 year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay,” Collins announced in a exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated.

After Collin’s announcement, there was an outpouring of supportive comments on Twitter by fellow athletes, celebrities, and politicians.

Kobe Bryant with the LA Lakers tweeted:

Others that posted to Twitter to encourage Collins’ were Bill Clinton, Oprah, Spike Lee and President and Michelle Obama.

Michelle Obama tweeted: “So proud of you, James Collins! This is a huge step forward for our country. We’ve got your back! – mo”

Collins started the day with fewer than 4,000 Twitter followers and by midnight he gained more than 76,000.  Tweets and retweets made James Collins name Twitter’s list of world-wide trend on Monday

While there were many encouraging words, others utilized their Twitter account to show their negative reaction to James Collins announcement.

Whether people agree or not agree it is easier with social media to voice your own opinion. Do you find yourself using your Twitter feed to tell the world your opinion?