Longtime NBA player Jason Collins, who was the league’s first openly gay athlete, is battling a brain tumor.
His family confirmed his diagnosis through a statement issued by the NBA on Thursday morning.
“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 statement said.
The 46-year-old Southern California native, who is currently serving as an ambassador for the league, is undergoing treatment.
“Our thoughts are with our friend and colleague, Jason Collins, and his family,” the NBA posted to X.
The center was drafted by the Houston Rockets in 2001 and went on to play for the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets. His twin brother Jarron also played in the NBA.
Both brothers played at Stanford University. Their alma mater sent their well-wishes to Collins.
“Sending our love and support to Jason, his husband Brunson, Jarron and the entire Collins family,” the X account for the Stanford men’s basketball team wrote.
He publicly declared he was gay in 2013, which made him the first publicly gay athlete to play in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues.
Collins retired in 2014.
The post Ex-NBA player Jason Collins being treated for brain tumor appeared first on KTLA.
