NBA’s First Openly Gay Player Is Undergoing Treatment For A Brain Tumor

Jason Collins, who in 2013 made history when he became the NBA’s first openly gay player, is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumor.

Collins’ family made the announcement regarding the 46-year-old former athlete’s health Thursday afternoon in a brief statement published on the NBA’s social media platforms.

“Jason and his family welcome your support and prayers and kindly ask for privacy as they dedicate their attention to Jason’s health and well-being,” the statement read.

The news drew an outpouring of support from fans as well as some of Collins’ former teams.

“Jason is truly a pillar of Stanford basketball and he has been an inspiration in his life after playing as well,” Eric Reveno, who is men’s associate head coach at California’s Stanford University, said in a statement. “Hold onto your favorite Jason story, and think about what you’ll share with him when he wins this battle.”

“Sending our love and support to [Jason Collins] and his family,” the Brooklyn Nets wrote on Instagram.

Since retiring from the NBA in 2014, Jason Collins has remained a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

David Dow via Getty Images

A native of Northridge, California, Collins was drafted into the NBA in 2001 by the Houston Rockets. He would go on to play for New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets before his retirement in 2014.

Collins first addressed his sexuality in a 2013 Sports Illustrated interview, becoming the first athlete to come out as gay while active in one of the four major U.S. sports leagues.

“I wish I wasn’t the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, ‘I’m different.’ If I had my way, someone else would have already done this,” he said at the time. “Nobody has, which is why I’m raising my hand.”

Since his retirement, Collins has remained active in the NBA as an ambassador, and has emerged as a staunch LGBTQ+ rights advocate. He and his husband, film producer Brunson Green, were married earlier this year in Texas.