Jason Collins, NBA's First Openly Gay Player, Dies at 47

Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player and a pioneer for inclusion, died at 47 after an 8-month battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma. His family announced his passing on Tuesday. Collins spent 13 years in the NBA, playing for six franchises, and revealed his sexuality in 2013 in a Sports Illustrated piece, becoming a landmark figure for LGBTQ+ rights in sports. He was awarded the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award last week, which his twin brother Jarron accepted on his behalf due to his illness. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Collins' leadership, professionalism, and kindness, noting his impact extended far beyond basketball. Collins' legacy includes helping make the NBA more inclusive and his work as an NBA Cares Ambassador. He is survived by his husband, Brunson, and family. Collins averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds in his career, with a notable stint with the New Jersey Nets, helping them reach two NBA Finals. His announcement in 2013 was widely supported, including by then-President Bill Clinton and NBA stars like Kobe Bryant. At Stanford, Collins was a standout player and remains a school record holder. Coach Mike Montgomery remembered him as unique, big, smart, strong, and skilled, with immense impact on Stanford basketball.

Jason's decision to reveal his sexuality was inspired by Joe Kennedy III's participation in a gay pride parade, contrasted with his own inability to do so at the time. He wore jersey No. 98 in honor of Matthew Shepard, symbolizing his support for gay rights. The NBA, WNBA, and broader sports community mourn the loss of a man who changed lives through his courage and humanity.