NBA Vet Jason Collins Is Undergoing Treatment For A Brain Tumor

Jason Collins, who in 2013 made history when he turned the NBA’s first brazenly homosexual participant, is presently present process therapy for a mind tumor.

Collins’ household made the announcement relating to the 46-year-old former athlete’s well being Thursday afternoon in a brief statement revealed on the NBA’s social media platforms.

“Jason and his household welcome your help and prayers and kindly ask for privateness as they dedicate their consideration to Jason’s well being and well-being,” the assertion learn.

The information drew an outpouring of help from followers in addition to a few of Collins’ former groups.

“Jason is actually a pillar of Stanford basketball and he has been an inspiration in his life after enjoying as properly,” Eric Reveno, who’s males’s affiliate head coach at California’s Stanford College, said in a statement. “Maintain onto your favourite Jason story, and take into consideration what you’ll share with him when he wins this battle.”

“Sending our love and help to [Jason Collins] and his household,” the Brooklyn Nets wrote on Instagram.

A local of Northridge, California, Collins was drafted into the NBA in 2001 by the Houston Rockets. He would go on to play for New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets earlier than his retirement in 2014.

“I want I wasn’t the child within the classroom elevating his hand and saying, ‘I’m completely different.’ If I had my manner, another person would have already finished this,” he mentioned on the time. “No one has, which is why I’m elevating my hand.”

Since his retirement, Collins has remained energetic within the NBA as an envoy, and has emerged as a staunch LGBTQ+ rights advocate. He and his husband, movie producer Brunson Inexperienced, were married earlier this yr in Texas.