The former basketball player, who etched his name in history as the first openly gay athlete in a major U.S. professional league, died from complications of a brain tumor, according to his family.
“We are heartbroken,” the family said in a statement released through the NBA. They added that Collins “changed the lives of many” and was a role model and inspiration to countless individuals.
The former center had publicly announced in September that he was undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. In December, he revealed on ESPN that he had been diagnosed with a fast-growing glioblastoma. Supported by his husband, Brunson Green, as well as family and friends, he underwent treatment involving medication, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Commissioner Silver Honors Collins: He Made the Sport ‘More Open and Inclusive’
Collins played for 13 years in the NBA, suiting up for the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards. He made headlines in 2013 with his public coming out in a Sports Illustrated essay. In the following season, Collins played 22 games for the Brooklyn Nets.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver lauded Collins as an “extraordinary” individual who made basketball and sports in general “more open and inclusive.” He stated that Collins would be remembered not only as a pioneer but also for his “kindness and humanity.”
English Translation and Paraphrased Text:
Jason Collins, the groundbreaking former NBA player who achieved historical significance as the first openly gay athlete to compete in a major American professional sports league, has passed away at the age of 47. His family confirmed that his death was a result of a brain tumor.
A statement released by his family expressed profound sorrow: “We are heartbroken. Jason changed the lives of many people and served as a role model and inspiration to countless individuals.”
Collins had publicly disclosed his battle with a brain tumor in September. In December, he shared with ESPN that he was diagnosed with a rapidly growing glioblastoma. With the steadfast support of his husband, Brunson Green, alongside his family and friends, he pursued treatment that included medication, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Commissioner Silver’s Tribute to Collins: He Fostered a ‘More Open and Inclusive’ Sporting Environment
Throughout his 13-year NBA career, Collins played for several teams, including the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards. His courageous public coming out in an essay for Sports Illustrated in 2013 garnered significant attention. He went on to play 22 games for the Brooklyn Nets in the subsequent season.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver paid tribute to Collins, describing him as an “exceptional” figure who contributed to making basketball and the broader sports landscape “more open and inclusive.” Silver emphasized that Collins would be remembered not only for his pioneering role but also for his “kindness and humanity.”