Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Jason Collins, the former NBA player who made history as the first openly gay active player, has passed away at 47 after a courageous eight-month battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma, a severe form of brain cancer. His family confirmed the heartbreaking news via a statement from the National Basketball Association.
Collins’ announcement in 2013 was a monumental moment in sports, paving the way for greater inclusivity and acceptance in the game of basketball.
In their statement, his family remarked, “Jason changed lives in ways we never expected and served as an inspiration to all who knew him. We deeply appreciate the love and support we received during his illness, along with the exceptional care from his medical team.”
Over 13 seasons in the NBA, Collins represented six franchises including the Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and Boston Celtics, averaging 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds throughout his career.
Highlighting his time with the Nets, Collins contributed significantly to the team’s journey to two NBA Finals. Notably, during the 2004-05 season, he recorded averages of 6.4 points and 6.1 rebounds.
Remarkably, Collins was honored with the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award at the Green Sports Alliance Summit last week. Due to his health, he couldn’t attend the event, but his twin brother and former NBA player Jarron Collins accepted the award in his honor, calling him “the bravest and strongest man” he had ever known.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver offered a heartfelt tribute, highlighting Collins' impact that extended far beyond the court, commending him for fostering a more welcoming sports environment.
A former teammate and coach, Jason Kidd, similarly paid tribute to Collins, celebrating him as a courageous pioneer and outstanding team player.
In April 2013, Collins publicly came out in a first-person piece for Sports Illustrated. Though a free agent at the time, he returned to play 22 games with the Brooklyn Nets the following season.
During his later career, Collins donned jersey number 98 in honor of Matthew Shepard, a significant figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Tributes have been pouring in from various corners of the basketball community and civil rights organizations upon the announcement of his passing. A moment of silence was also observed prior to the NBA playoff game between the Timberwolves and the Spurs as a tribute to Collins.
Before making his mark in the NBA, Collins excelled at Stanford University, being selected 18th overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets.
Jason Collins will forever be remembered not just for his contributions to basketball but also for his role in breaking barriers and inspiring countless individuals across the globe.
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