Jason Collins, first openly gay active NBA player, dies after cancer battle

The 213cm centre, who publically came retired arsenic cheery successful 2013, had been battling a encephalon tumour.

Jason Collins, the archetypal openly cheery progressive subordinate successful the National Basketball Association (NBA), has died astatine the property of 47 aft battling cancer.

“We are heartbroken to stock that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, member and uncle, has died aft a valiant combat with glioblastoma,” the household said successful a connection connected Tuesday.

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Collins revealed successful September that helium was undergoing attraction for a encephalon tumour and aboriginal disclosed helium had signifier 4 glioblastoma, an assertive signifier of encephalon cancer.

The 7-footer (2.13 metres tall) made headlines successful 2013 erstwhile helium became the archetypal progressive antheral jock successful 1 of North America’s 4 large nonrecreational sports leagues to publically travel retired arsenic gay.

The centre played 13 seasons successful the NBA. He was selected 18th wide by the Houston Rockets successful the 2001 draft, past was traded to the then-New Jersey Nets connected draught night. He besides had stints with the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards.

Collins helped the Nets scope back-to-back NBA Finals successful 2002 and 2003 alongside teammates Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson.

After a first-person effort successful Sports Illustrated disclosing helium was gay, Collins received wide enactment crossed the sports world, including from then-United States President Barack Obama.

“Jason changed lives successful unexpected ways and was an inspiration to each who knew him and to those who admired him from afar,” his household said. “Our household volition miss him dearly.”

Arn Tellem, erstwhile cause of Collins and existent vice president of the Detroit Pistons, said his determination to travel retired changed lives.

“Jason’s bequest stands arsenic a beacon for tolerance, dignity, respect, inclusion, compassion, and understanding,” Tellem said successful a statement. “He near this satellite amended than helium recovered it.”

Jason Collins played for six antithetic teams successful the NBA, reaching the finals connected 2 occasions [File: Mark J Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports via Reuters]