Former NBA center Jason Collins battles a brain tumor diagnosis that the league confirmed Thursday. The 46-year-old athlete requests privacy during treatment while accepting public support and prayers. Collins made history as the first active male professional athlete to announce his homosexuality in a major American sport. His 2013 Sports Illustrated revelation sparked important conversations about LGBTQ+ representation in athletics. The seven-foot player completed 13 seasons across multiple franchises after Houston drafted him 18th overall in 2001.
Collins averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds throughout 735 career games with New Jersey, Brooklyn, Atlanta, Boston, Memphis, Minnesota, and Washington. He retired from active competition in 2014 but continued serving the league as an official ambassador. Collins recently married producer Brunson Green after maintaining a long-term relationship. The basketball community rallies behind the pioneering athlete as he confronts this medical challenge with family support.
Collins averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds throughout 735 career games with New Jersey, Brooklyn, Atlanta, Boston, Memphis, Minnesota, and Washington. He retired from active competition in 2014 but continued serving the league as an official ambassador. Collins recently married producer Brunson Green after maintaining a long-term relationship. The basketball community rallies behind the pioneering athlete as he confronts this medical challenge with family support.
