Jason Collins, the first openly gay athlete to play in a major US professional sports league, has died at the age of 47 following a battle with glioblastoma brain cancer.
Collins’ family confirmed the news, describing him as an inspiration whose impact extended far beyond basketball. The former NBA center enjoyed a 13-year career with teams including the Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks before retiring in 2014. Collins publicly came out in 2013 and later played for the Nets, breaking barriers in American sports.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver praised Collins for making basketball more inclusive and remembered him for his kindness and leadership.