"We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma, the family said in a statement on Tuesday."
"Collins revealed in September that he was undergoing treatment for a brain tumour and later disclosed he had stage four glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. The 7-footer (2.13 metres tall) made headlines in 2013 when he became the first active male athlete in one of North America's four major professional sports leagues to publicly come out as gay."
"Collins helped the Nets reach back-to-back NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003 alongside teammates Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson. After a first-person essay in Sports Illustrated disclosing he was gay, Collins received widespread support across the sports world, including from then-United States President Barack Obama."
"Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar, his family said. Our family will miss him dearly. Arn Tellem, former agent of Collins and current vice chairman of the Detroit Pistons, said his decision to come out changed lives."
Jason Collins, a 2.13-metre centre who came out as gay in 2013, died at age 47 after battling glioblastoma. His family said he had been fighting cancer and described him as a beloved husband, son, brother, and uncle. Collins revealed in September that he was undergoing treatment for a brain tumour and later disclosed stage four glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. He played 13 NBA seasons after being drafted 18th overall by the Houston Rockets in 2001 and later playing for multiple teams including the Nets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Hawks, Celtics, and Wizards. He helped the Nets reach back-to-back NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003. His public coming out in 2013 brought widespread support, including from Barack Obama, and left a legacy of tolerance and inclusion.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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