Trailblazing NBA star Jason Collins - the sport's first openly gay player - diagnosed with brain tumour
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Jason Collins, the former NBA star who made history as the league’s first openly gay active player, is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumour, his family has confirmed.
The 46-year-old, who played 13 seasons in the NBA from 2001 to 2014, is being supported by loved ones and the wider basketball community during this challenging time. In a statement released via the NBA, Collins’ family said: “Jason and his family welcome your support and prayers and kindly ask for privacy as they dedicate their attention to Jason’s health and well-being.”
Collins, a seven-foot centre, spent the majority of his career with the New Jersey Nets, helping the team reach two NBA Finals. He also played for the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves and Washington Wizards before returning to the Nets - then based in Brooklyn - for his final season in 2014.
In April 2013, Collins made headlines worldwide when he came out as gay in a powerful first-person essay for Sports Illustrated, becoming the first active male athlete in a major American team sport to do so. His courage was widely praised and marked a significant moment in sports history. “I didn’t set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport,” he wrote. “But since I am, I’m happy to start the conversation.”
Messages of support have poured in from across the NBA. The Brooklyn Nets posted on social media: “Sending our love and support to [Jason Collins] and his family.”
Collins’ twin brother, Jarron Collins - also a former NBA player and now an assistant coach with the New Orleans Pelicans - shared the family’s statement on Instagram, further rallying support for Jason.
