Jason Collins, First Active N.B.A. Player to Come Out as Gay, Dies at 47
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in any of the four major American men's sports leagues, has died at age 47.
- The NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, announced Collins's death, with his family attributing it to glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer.
- Collins revealed his cancer diagnosis in December and was undergoing treatment at the time.
- He played 13 seasons in the NBA, known for his height, defensive skills, and professionalism, contributing to six different teams.
- Although not a leading scorer or consistent starter, Collins was valued for his role as a center during an era favoring taller players near the rim.