Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Jason Collins, Trailblazing Former NBA Center, Dies at 47

His 2013 coming-out in Sports Illustrated opened a path for LGBTQ+ athletes in major U.S. leagues.

Overview

  • His family announced his death from glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor, and said he is survived by his husband Brunson Green, his parents, and his brother Jarron Collins.
  • In December he disclosed that his brain tumor was inoperable and told ESPN the average prognosis was six weeks to three months.
  • He chose care that aimed to preserve quality of life and test potential therapies, but the cancer returned before he could finish treatment.
  • He became the first openly gay player in a major North American pro league in 2013, a step NBA commissioner Adam Silver said made the sport more inclusive.
  • He played 13 NBA seasons with New Jersey and Brooklyn, Memphis, Minnesota, Atlanta, Boston, and Washington, and he retired in 2014.