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# Trailblazing NBA star Jason Collins - the sport's first openly gay player - diagnosed with  brain tumour
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/trailblazing-nba-star-jason-collins-the-sports-first-openly-gay-player-diagnosed-with-brain-tumour/
- Published: 2025-09-12T10:35:07.000Z
- Updated: 2025-09-12T10:35:07.000Z
- Author: Graham Robson
- Tags: North America

**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.”

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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.