Post by Basketball News (@basketballnews)

Jason Collins passed away after a valiant fight with glioblastoma. He was a pioneering American professional basketball player who made history in 2013 as the first active openly gay athlete in a major North American team sport. He played 13 seasons as a center in the NBA for six different franchises: Nets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Hawks, Celtics, and Wizards.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement:

“Jason Collins’ impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations. He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador. Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others.

“On behalf of the NBA, I send my heartfelt condolences to Jason’s husband, Brunson, and his family, friends and colleagues across our leagues.”

Additionally, the following statement was issued today by the #NBA on behalf of the family of Jason Collins:

“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma.

“Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly.”

May Jason Collins rest in peace ❤️🕊️

#JasonCollins #Basketball #Sports

https://youtu.be/8y8cZ2yB80k?si=Ovd_3QZdN_YKwJyu

0 likes · 0 comments · 0 shares