Jason Collins, the NBA’s first overtly homosexual participant who went on to change into a pioneer for inclusion and an envoy for the league, has died after an eight-month battle with an aggressive type of a mind tumour, his household introduced Tuesday.
Collins spent 13 years as a participant within the league for six completely different franchises. He revealed in 2013 that he was homosexual, an announcement that got here towards the top of his taking part in profession.
Collins had been identified with Stage 4 glioblastoma, which has a particularly low survival price. He was 47.
“Jason modified lives in sudden methods and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those that admired him from afar,” Collins’ household stated in a press release launched by way of the NBA. “We’re grateful for the outpouring of affection and prayers over the previous eight months and for the distinctive medical care Jason obtained from his medical doctors and nurses. Our household will miss him dearly.”
Simply final week, Collins obtained the inaugural Invoice Walton World Champion Award on the Inexperienced Sports activities Alliance Summit. He was too ailing to attend and his twin brother, former NBA participant Jarron Collins, accepted for him.
“I instructed my brother this earlier than I got here right here: He’s the bravest, strongest man I’ve ever recognized,” Jarron Collins stated whereas accepting that award.
Jason Collins averaged 3.6 factors and three.7 rebounds in his profession. He helped the New Jersey Nets — now often called Brookklyn Nets — attain two NBA Finals and in his greatest season averaged 6.4 factors and 6.1 rebounds for them in 2004-05.
Revealed on Could 13, 2026