Jason Collins Diagnosed with Brain Tumor
Jason Collins, a former NBA player and league ambassador, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, as confirmed by the NBA in a statement released Thursday morning. In their announcement, Collins and his family expressed their gratitude for the support and prayers they are receiving but also asked for privacy during this challenging time.
Career Highlights
At 46 years old, Collins carved out a notable career after being drafted in 2001 alongside his twin brother, Jarron. Over 13 seasons, he played for six teams, prominently featuring for the New Jersey Nets for the majority of his tenure, which spanned eight years. During his time with the Nets, Collins participated in two NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003. Unfortunately, his team fell short in both instances, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs, respectively.
Breaking Barriers
Collins made headlines not only for his achievements on the court but also for being the first openly gay active player in North America’s major sports leagues when he publicly came out in 2013. This groundbreaking move not only sparked conversations about LGBTQ representation in sports but also catalyzed the NBA’s involvement in advocating for LGBTQ rights, leading the league to become the first to participate in the New York City Pride Parade.
Retirement
He last appeared on the court during the 2013-14 season, concluding his career with the Brooklyn Nets, where he averaged about 7.8 minutes per game in his final year. He officially retired from professional basketball on November 20, 2014, sharing his story in a candid piece for The Players’ Tribune titled “I’m Out.”
