Former NBA star Jason Collins has died following a battle with brain cancer. He was 47.
“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” Collins’ family told the NBA in a Tuesday, May 12, statement, confirming the former athlete’s death.
Collins — the first openly gay player in the NBA — will be remembered for not only his athleticism on the court but the legacy he solidified beyond the sport.
“Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar,” Collins’ loved ones said in their statement. “We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly.”
Former NBA player Jason Collins has been diagnosed with stage IV brain cancer. “A few months ago, my family released a short statement saying I had a brain tumor. It was simple, but intentionally vague,” Collins, 47, wrote in an essay for ESPN published on Thursday, December 11. “They did that to protect my privacy […]
NBA commissioner Adam Silver issued his own statement on Tuesday, praising Collins, a former NBC Cares Ambassador, for all he accomplished in his life.
“Jason Collins’ impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations,” Silver wrote. “He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador.”
The commissioner added, “Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others.”
Silver concluded, “On behalf of the NBA, I send my heartfelt condolences to Jason’s husband, Brunson, and his family, friends and colleagues across our leagues.”
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