Former NBA player Jason Collins, who was the first openly gay player to play in the National Basketball Association, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and is undergoing treatment.
The NBA revealed the news in a statement on behalf of Jason Collins and his family on Thursday.
“NBA Ambassador and 13-year NBA veteran Jason Collins is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumor,” the statement says. “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 came out as gay in April of 2013. He married his longtime partner Brunson Green earlier this year.
Collins and Green have been together since 2014, which is the same year Collins retired from the NBA.
The center played professional basketball from 2001-14, becoming the first openly gay NBA player to appear in a game when he did so in 2014.
Collins was hopeful that after coming out as gay he would encourage other professional athletes to do so. However, according to Uncloseted Media, there are currently zero openly gay players in the four major professional sports in the United States.
Collins believes there is plenty of work still to do to change how gay athletes are viewed.
“It’s still the case because there are people who are, for whatever reason, have fear to step forward and speak their truth,” Jason Collins told Uncloseted Media. “[It’s on] the sports leagues and sports franchises to celebrate the LGBT+ community, whether it’s participating in pride parades, marches, or hosting pride games.
“In this climate that we’re in where there’s such an attack on DEI, it’s important to speak to your values and speak to your community of people who do support -- your franchises, your athletes.”
Jason Collins played for the New Jersey Nets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Hawks, Celtics, Wizards and Brooklyn Nets during his career.
He averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game across his 13 NBA seasons.
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.