Ex-NBA player Jason Collins has died after a protracted battle with glioblastoma, a sophisticated type of mind most cancers.
He died peacefully in his dwelling surrounded by family members.
The 47-year-old had a 13-year NBA profession, largely with the New Jersey Nets.
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Jason Collins smiles in the course of the NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service in 2026. Getty
The first openly gay NBA player, the league launched a press release on Wednesday saying it was “heartbroken” by the information.
“We’re heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant struggle with glioblastoma,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver stated.
“Jason modified lives in sudden methods and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those that admired him from afar. We’re grateful for the outpouring of affection and prayers over the previous eight months and for the distinctive medical care Jason acquired from his medical doctors and nurses. Our household will miss him dearly.”
Collins performed within the NBA between 2001 and 2014, retiring with the relocated Brooklyn Nets.
He scored greater than 2000 factors and pulled down greater than 2000 rebounds throughout his profession as a job player.
Jason Collins with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2009. NBAE by way of Getty Photographs
Collins got here out as gay in 2013 by way of the quilt of Sports activities Illustrated, changing into the first energetic male athlete taking part in in a significant American sports activities code to so.
On the time, he acquired cellphone calls from the likes of Oprah Winfrey and President Barack Obama congratulating him on his braveness.
In September of 2025, the NBA introduced on his behalf that Collins had been recognized with stage 4 mind most cancers.
Regardless of the analysis, he attended this yr’s NBA All-Star weekend in February and has had a long-running partnership with the league’s NBA Cares program.
Throughout his NBA profession, Collins performed for the Nets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Hawks, Celtics and Wizards.
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