DOWNTOWN – FORMER NETS PLAYER Jason Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player, passed away on Tuesday at age 47, eight months after a brain cancer diagnosis, the Associated Press reports.
Collins spent most of his 13-year NBA career with the Nets franchise, first in New Jersey and then returning for one season to the Brooklyn Nets in 2013. He revealed his sexuality in an interview with Sports Illustrated in 2013, saying, “If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I’m raising my hand.”
Former teammate and Nets coach Jason Kidd mourned him in a post on X, writing, “Jason Collins was a pioneer. He had courage like you’ve never seen. He was an incredible teammate. And having him in Brooklyn at the start of my coaching journey meant so much. Those who knew him were blessed to call him a friend. You are already missed my brother. Rest in power.”
Collins’ family thanked supporters and fans for “the outpouring of love and prayers” following his diagnosis, as well as his medical team.
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