Brain tumor at NBA pioneer
NBA ambassador Jason Collins receives a devastating diagnosis. The Brooklyn Nets send support.
Jason Collins played in the NBA for the Brooklyn Nets, among others
© IMAGO / UPI Photo
Jason Collins, first openly homosexual player of the NBA and today league ambassador, is treated for a brain tumor.
In a statement spread by the NBA, his family explained: “Jason and our family appreciate any form of support and prayer. At the same time, we ask for privacy so that we can concentrate entirely on Jason’s health.”
His former team also spoke up: “We send love and support to Jason Collins and his family,” posted the Brooklyn Nets.
A career full of milestones
Collins ended his professional career in 2014 after thirteen years. The center played for the New Jersey Nets, Memphis, Minnesota, Atlanta, Boston, Washington and after the move again for the Nets in Brooklyn.
In the 2004/05 season, he achieved personal best values with 6.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.
Legendary, however, became less of his statline than his brave step in April 2013: Collins came out publicly and thus became the first active, openly homosexual athletes in one of the four large US profiles. Since then, the 45-year-old has been involved as an NBA ambassador for equality and inclusion.
