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Jason Collins had revealed that he had stage four glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer
Former NBA player Jason Collins has died at the age of 47 after a battle with cancer, his family said on Tuesday, May 12.
Collins revealed in September that he was being treated for a brain tumor and later revealed that he had stage four glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
“We are deeply saddened to say that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has passed away after a valiant battle with glioblastoma,” the family said in a statement.
Collins made history in 2013 when he became the first male athlete in one of North America’s four major professional leagues to come out as gay.
The center played 13 seasons in the NBA. He was selected 18th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2001 draft and then traded to the New Jersey Nets on draft night. He also played with the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards.
Collins helped the Nets reach back-to-back NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003 along with teammates Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson.
After the first person essay in the Sports Illustrated revealing that he is gay, Collins received a lot of support in the sports world, including from the then President of the United States Barack Obama.
“Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and those who admired him from afar,” his family said. “Our family will miss him terribly.” – Rappler.com
