Former NBA center Jason Collins undergoing treatment for brain tumor, family says
Family requests privacy and asks for support as Collins, the first openly gay player among North American men's major leagues, receives care
Former NBA center Jason Collins is receiving treatment for a brain tumor, his family announced, asking for privacy and support as they focus on his care.
In a statement provided to the NBA, Collins' family said they "welcome your support and prayers and kindly ask for privacy as they dedicate their attention to Jason’s health and well-being." The statement did not provide details on the type of tumor, prognosis or the location and timing of treatment.
Collins, who retired from the NBA in 2014 after a 13-year career, became a prominent figure beyond basketball when he publicly disclosed his sexuality in a 2013 Sports Illustrated essay. In that essay, he wrote, "No one wants to live in fear. I've always been scared of saying the wrong thing. I don't sleep well. I never have," and described feeling "whole for the first time" after acknowledging his sexuality publicly. The revelation made him the first openly gay player in any of the four major North American men's professional sports leagues.
His NBA career included stints with the Nets organization, the Memphis Grizzlies, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Atlanta Hawks, the Boston Celtics and the Washington Wizards. Collins averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds for his career, and his most productive season came with the then-New Jersey Nets in 2004-05, when he averaged 6.4 points and 6.1 rebounds. He later returned to the Nets organization for a final season after the franchise's move to Brooklyn and now serves as an ambassador for the NBA.
The family statement framed their request for privacy as they concentrate on Collins' medical needs. Beyond that announcement, officials and family members offered no further commentary on his condition. The NBA acknowledged receipt of the family's statement but provided no additional details.
Collins' decision to go public with his sexuality in 2013 drew widespread attention and discussion about inclusion in professional sports. At the time, he said telling others relieved the burden of secrecy and gave him a stronger sense of self. Since retiring, Collins has remained involved with the league in an ambassadorial role and has been a visible figure in discussions about diversity and acceptance in sports.
The family did not specify whether Collins is receiving treatment locally or at a specialty center, nor did they indicate whether he will continue with public duties for the NBA. They asked that friends, colleagues and the public respect their request for privacy while Collins undergoes treatment and recovery.
Further updates are expected only if the family elects to release additional information, officials said. For now, the focus remains on his immediate care and the family's request for support and privacy.