Updated

Jason Collins of the Brooklyn Nets says he has received a text message from Billie Jean King and other messages of support since becoming the first openly gay athlete to play in one of the United States' four major professional leagues.

Collins says the text from the former tennis great was "very meaningful and very much appreciated."

Collins spoke before the Nets practiced at UCLA on Tuesday. They resume their road trip with a game at Portland on Wednesday night.

Collins signed a 10-day contract on Sunday and played 10 scoreless minutes in a victory against the Los Angeles Lakers.

He revealed at the end of last season that he is gay, but was a free agent and had remained unsigned until the Nets needed another big man.