NBA Trailblazer Jason Collins Passes Away After Courageous Fight Against Brain Cancer

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Jason Collins, a former NBA player recognized for being the first openly gay active player in the league, has succumbed to Stage 4 glioblastoma at the age of 47. His family confirmed his passing on Tuesday through a statement from the National Basketball Association.

In 2013, Collins made headlines for his groundbreaking announcement, which garnered widespread admiration and promoted greater inclusivity within professional basketball.

His family expressed in a statement, “Jason touched lives in unforeseen ways and served as an inspiration to those who knew him. We appreciate the outpouring of love and support during his illness and the exceptional care from his medical team.”

Collins played for a total of 13 seasons, representing six franchises, including the Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Washington Wizards, averaging 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds over his career.

Among his notable achievements was his instrumental role with the Nets, which led to two NBA Finals appearances. During the 2004-05 season, Collins recorded averages of 6.4 points and 6.1 rebounds.

Recently, Collins was posthumously honored with the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award at the Green Sports Alliance Summit, a ceremony he missed due to his health struggles. His brother, Jarron Collins, accepted the accolade on his behalf, calling him “the bravest and strongest man I’ve ever known.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver paid homage to Collins, stating that his influence extended well beyond the court, praising his efforts to cultivate a more welcoming athletic environment for future generations.

Former teammate Jason Kidd shared a heartfelt tribute, underscoring Collins’s role as a pioneer and remarkable teammate.

Collins publicly came out in April 2013 via a Sports Illustrated article while he was a free agent, later returning to play 22 games for Brooklyn the following season.

In his later years, Collins wore jersey number 98 in honor of Matthew Shepard, who became a symbol in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Following the announcement of his passing, numerous tributes flooded in from the basketball community and civil rights organizations. A moment of silence was observed before an NBA playoff game featuring the Timberwolves and Spurs in his memory.

Before his NBA career, Collins was an exceptional player at Stanford University, selected 18th overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets.

Jason Collins is remembered not solely for his sporting prowess but as a groundbreaking figure who inspired millions globally.

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