Former NBA center Jason Collins, the league’s first openly gay player who serves as an ambassador, is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, the NBA announced Thursday.
“NBA Ambassador and 13-year veteran Jason Collins is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumor,” the league said in a statement. “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.”
The 7-foot-tall Collins played for the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards from 2001-14.
The Nets issued a statement wishing Collins well in his treatment.
“Sending our love and support to @jasoncollins98 and his family,” the Nets wrote in a post to X.
Collins, 46, became the first active, openly gay player in any of the four major North American sports leagues in 2013 when he came out in a Sports Illustrated article.
“I didn’t set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport,” Collins wrote. “But since I am, I’m happy to start the conversation.”
In his 13-year NBA career, Collins averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds in 20.4 minutes per games across 735 games, including 477 starts.
Jason’s twin brother, Jarron, also played in the NBA for 10 seasons with the Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trailblazers from 2001-11.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.