The NBA community is grieving the death of Jason Collins, a former professional basketball player who passed away at the age of 47. According to his family, Collins died from complications of a brain tumor. He made history as the first openly gay athlete in any of the major U.S. professional sports leagues.
“We are heartbroken,” the family said in a statement released through the NBA. Collins “changed the lives of many people” and served as a role model and inspiration for countless individuals.
The former center publicly revealed in September that he was undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. In December, he told ESPN that he had been diagnosed with a fast-growing glioblastoma. Supported by his husband, Brunson Green, as well as family and friends, he pursued treatment with medication, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Collins played 13 seasons in the NBA, appearing for the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards. He gained widespread attention in 2013 when he came out in an article for Sports Illustrated. The following season, he played 22 games for the Brooklyn Nets.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver honored Collins as an “extraordinary” individual who made basketball and sports in general “more open and inclusive.” He will be remembered not only as a pioneer but also for his “kindness and humanity.”
