Jason Collins, first openly gay active NBA player, dies after cancer battle
Summary
Jason Collins, the first openly gay active NBA player, has died at age 47 after battling glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. He played 13 seasons in the NBA for six different teams and was known for inspiring many by publicly sharing his sexual orientation in 2013.Key Facts
- Jason Collins was the first openly gay active male athlete in one of North America’s four major sports leagues.
- He was 47 years old when he died from glioblastoma, a severe type of brain cancer.
- Collins played 13 seasons in the NBA from 2001, joining six teams including the New Jersey Nets and Boston Celtics.
- He was drafted 18th overall by the Houston Rockets but was traded to the Nets on draft night.
- Collins helped the Nets reach the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003.
- He publicly came out as gay in a 2013 Sports Illustrated essay, receiving wide support in the sports community.
- His family described him as an inspiration and said he will be dearly missed.
- His former agent praised Collins for promoting tolerance, respect, and inclusion in sports.
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