Former NBA big man Jason Collins has died at the age of 47. Collins had been battling brain cancer.
Collins entered the NBA in 2001 as the 18th pick of the draft out of Stanford. He spent his first six-and-a-half seasons, then played for the Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Hawks, Celtics and Wizards before returning to the Nets to wrap up his career in 2013/14. He averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds in 735 regular season games.
Collins remained actively involved with the league after his retirement as an NBA Cares Ambassador.
Collins revealed in 2013 during a Sports Illustrated article that he was gay, becoming the first publicly gay athlete to play in any of the four main North American sports leagues.
Collins’ family issued the following statement, which was relayed by the league (Twitter link):
“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma. Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. 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.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver also issued a statement on Collins’ passing (Twitter link):
“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. He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador. 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. On behalf of the NBA, I send my heartfelt condolences to Jason’s husband, Brunson, and his family, friends and colleagues across our leagues.”
We at Hoops Rumors send our sincerest condolences to Collins’ family and friends.
Dang how many more notable nba players are kicking the bucket today
Brain cancer is a horrible way to go- my mom and 2 other friends of mine died of it.
Jason is in a better place now. RIP.
I’m sorry for your losses!
RIP JC. Strength and courage you displayed while an ounce of humility is unmatched.
F CANCER!
Yeah that’s a tough way to go. I wouldn’t wish that on anybody. RIP
Rip. Unreal amounts of courage to do what he did. Which, shouldn’t be required. People should just be allowed to love who they want but that’s neither here nor there.
Glioblastoma is freaking awful. My cousin had that form of brain cancer. It wrecks you so quickly.
RIP Jason Collins 🙏
cancer sucks.
The world lost a good man today. RIP.
My mom worked at Harvard -Westlake High School when Jason and Jarron attended. Said the twins and the parents were as nice as can be. My heartfelt condolences to the family
Rest In Peace…
RIP, Jason. Brain cancer is a horrible way to go. F Cancer, for real.
Tough day for the NBA today, losing 2 of their brethren.
Rough day, rip legend!!
F cancer, RIP to all who it unfairly took from us