Jason Collins is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, according to the NBA.
The legendary former NBA player, who made huge headlines when he came out publicly as gay on the cover of sports Illustrated, is now in a fight for his life.
The league sent out a message on social media earlier today, on behalf of both the league and the family of Jason Collins:
“NBA Ambassador and 13-year NBA veteran Jason Collins is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. 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 famously came out publicly as a gay NBA player in 2013, while he was still an active player in the league. He followed only Robbie Rogers in major American pro sports in coming out as an active gay player.
The next year he played for the Brooklyn Nets, as they won a first-round NBA Playoffs series. Collins was the first out gay player in the Big Four, and second in the Big Five (adding MLS) to compete while being out as gay.
Since then, Collins has leant his voice wherever it’s been needed. He’s been a fierce advocate for inclusion of LGBTQ people across sports, whether it was basketball or some other sport or league.
He most recently married his now husband, Brunson Green.
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As I’ve written previously, no former pro athlete has made himself more accessible to the LGBTQ community and our inclusion in sports than Collins.
Jason Collins finished his NBA career with over 2,600 points and 2,700 rebounds, a defensive specialist who helped the Nets to an NBA Finals before he came out publicly.
Collins played college basketball at Stanford, “twin towers” who helped the Cardinal to huge success in the win column.
Outsports sends all of our love and support to Collins and his family, as they all deal with his health issue.
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