Jason Collins, NBA’s First Openly Gay Player, Is Undergoing Treatment for a Brain Tumor
The former NBA center and longtime LGBTQ+ advocate is receiving treatment, his family said; they have requested privacy.
Jason Collins, the first active player in a major U.S. professional sports league to publicly come out as gay, is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, his family announced Thursday.
In a brief statement posted on the NBA’s social media platforms, Collins’ family said, “Jason and his family welcome your support and prayers and kindly ask for privacy as they dedicate their attention to Jason’s health and well-being.” The announcement identified the 46-year-old former NBA center but provided no further medical details.
The news drew immediate responses from former teams, colleagues and supporters. Eric Reveno, associate head coach of Stanford men’s basketball, called Collins “truly a pillar of Stanford basketball” and urged people to hold on to favorite memories to share with Collins during his recovery. The Brooklyn Nets wrote on Instagram, “Sending our love and support to [Jason Collins] and his family.”
Collins starred at Stanford University before being selected in the 2001 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets. Over a 13-year NBA career he played for the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets, and he retired from the league in 2014. Since retiring, Collins has served as an NBA ambassador and remained active in advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
In April 2013, while still an active player, Collins publicly disclosed that he is gay in a Sports Illustrated essay, becoming the first athlete to come out while playing in one of the four major U.S. sports leagues. At the time he said, “I wish I wasn’t the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, ‘I’m different.’ If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I’m raising my hand.” His announcement was widely seen as a milestone for inclusion in professional sports.
Collins married film producer Brunson Green earlier this year in Texas. The family’s announcement asked for privacy as they focus on Collins’ treatment and recovery; it did not disclose the type of tumor, the medical facility, or the anticipated course of care.
Medical experts caution that “brain tumor” covers a wide range of conditions with varied prognoses and treatments, from benign growths to malignant cancers, and from surgically treatable lesions to those requiring radiation or chemotherapy. The family’s statement did not provide any timeline for updates.
Supporters of Collins and advocates for LGBTQ+ athletes expressed solidarity on social media and through public statements, noting his continued role as an ambassador and voice for inclusion in sports. As the family requested privacy, teammates, coaches and organizations have encouraged fans to respect that wish while offering support and well-wishes.
Collins’ announcement arrives more than a decade after his Sports Illustrated essay and years after his retirement, a period in which he has continued to be visible in basketball and civil-rights work. Further details about his diagnosis and treatment plan were not released by the family or the NBA as of Thursday afternoon.
The family’s request for privacy means updates will likely come from them or official representatives when they choose to share more information. In the meantime, tributes and messages of support reflect Collins’ impact on the sport and on efforts to expand inclusion for LGBTQ+ people in athletics.