Jason Collins, who performed 13 NBA seasons, is present process therapy for a mind tumor, in response to an announcement from the league. Collins, 46, grew to become the primary brazenly homosexual energetic athlete throughout the 4 main sports activities in North America when he got here out in a 2013 situation of Sports activities Illustrated.

“Jason and his household welcome your assist and prayers and kindly ask for privateness as they dedicate their consideration to Jason’s well being and well-being,” the NBA mentioned in an announcement.

Collins was initially chosen by the Houston Rockets with the No. 18 choose within the 2001 NBA Draft. Nevertheless, Collins ended up being traded to the Nets on draft night time. The middle performed in 735 profession video games with the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, and Washington Wizards along with the Nets. He recorded profession averages of three.6 factors and three.7 rebounds per contest over the course of his skilled profession.

In February 2014, Collins signed a 10-day contract with the Nets after spending the primary seven seasons of his NBA profession with the franchise. Collins bought an opportunity to play for coach Jason Kidd, with whom he shared the ground throughout his first stint with the Nets. In November 2014, Collins introduced his retirement from the game.

Collins selected to put on No. 98 with the Nets, which he additionally wore when he performed for the Celtics and Wizards, to honor Matthew Shepard, a homosexual man whose 1998 homicide led to the enactment of federal hate crime laws.