Former NBA player Jason Collins, who made history as the league’s first openly gay active player, has died at the age of 47 after battling an aggressive brain tumour, his family announced on Tuesday.
Collins, who played 13 seasons in the NBA for six different teams, publicly revealed his sexuality in 2013 in a groundbreaking essay for Sports Illustrated. He had recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, a fast-growing form of brain cancer with a low survival rate.
In a statement released through the NBA, his family described him as an inspiration whose influence extended far beyond basketball. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Collins for helping to make the sport more inclusive and welcoming, saying he would be remembered for both his courage and kindness.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the basketball world, including from Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, a former teammate, who described Collins as “a pioneer” with remarkable courage. Just last week, Collins was honoured with the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award, which was accepted on his behalf by his twin brother, former NBA player Jarron Collins.
