Boston Celtics
Collins had been identified with Stage 4 glioblastoma, which has a particularly low survival price. He was 47.
Jason Collins, the NBA’s first brazenly homosexual participant who went on to grow to be a pioneer for inclusion and an envoy for the league, has died after an eight-month battle with an aggressive type of a mind tumor, his household introduced Tuesday.
Collins spent 13 years as a participant within the league for six totally different franchises, together with the Celtics. He revealed in 2013 that he was homosexual, an announcement that got here towards the tip of his taking part in profession.
Collins had been identified with Stage 4 glioblastoma, which has a particularly low survival price. He was 47.
“Jason modified lives in surprising methods and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those that admired him from afar,” Collins’ household stated in an announcement launched by way of the NBA. “We’re grateful for the outpouring of affection and prayers over the previous eight months and for the distinctive medical care Jason acquired from his medical doctors and nurses. Our household will miss him dearly.”
Simply final week, Collins acquired the inaugural Invoice Walton International Champion Award on the Inexperienced Sports activities Alliance Summit. He was too sick to attend and his twin brother, former NBA participant Jarron Collins, accepted for him.
“I informed my brother this earlier than I got here right here: He’s the bravest, strongest man I’ve ever identified,” Jarron Collins stated whereas accepting that award.
Jason Collins averaged 3.6 factors and three.7 rebounds in his profession. He helped the New Jersey Nets attain two NBA Finals and in his finest season averaged 6.4 factors and 6.1 rebounds for them in 2004-05.
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