Jason Collins, First Openly Gay Player In Nba, Being Treated For Brain Tumor

Former NBA subordinate Jason Collins is undergoing curen for a encephalon tumor, nan NBA announced connected Thursday.

“Jason and his family invited your support and prayers and kindly inquire for privateness arsenic they dedicate their attraction to Jason’s wellness and well-being,” nan convention said successful a statement.

A 7ft center, Collins played 8 of his 13 seasons pinch nan New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets and besides spent clip pinch nan Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves and Washington Wizards.

Collins averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds successful 735 games from 2001-14. He was drafted pinch nan 18th wide prime by nan Houston Rockets successful 2001 aft starring astatine Stanford alongside his copy brother, Jarron. He retired from nan NBA successful 2014.

Collins made news disconnected nan tribunal erstwhile he came retired arsenic cheery successful 2013 successful an article for Sports Illustrated. He was nan first progressive antheral jock from 1 of nan 4 awesome North American master sports leagues to do truthful publicly.

“I didn’t group retired to beryllium nan first openly cheery jock playing successful a awesome American squad sport,” Collins wrote successful his article for Sports Illustrated. “But since I am, I’m happy to commencement nan conversation. I wish I wasn’t nan kid successful nan schoolroom raising his manus and saying, ‘I’m different.’ If I had my way, personification other would person already done this. Nobody has, which is why I’m raising my hand.”

Since his status from playing, nan 46-year-old has worked for nan NBA arsenic an ambassador. He joined his semipermanent partner, Brunson Green, earlier this year.