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Former NBA player Jason Collins receives treatment for a brain tumor, his family announced.
In a first-person test published in Sports Illustrated in 2013, Collins wrote on his sexuality and became the first openly gay player in one of the four main North American male sports leagues.
At the time, Collins said that his public admission was the first time that he spoke of this aspect of his personal life beyond his family and his close friends.
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Brooklyn Nets Jason Collins center leads an interview on the radio after a 108-102 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, on February 23, 2014. (Gary A. Vasquez / USA TODAY SPORTS)
“No one wants to live in fear. I have always been afraid of saying the bad thing. I don’t sleep well. I felt whole for the first time.”
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Collins retired in 2014. His 13 -year -old career included stops with Nets organization, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards.
The center of Brooklyn Nets Jason Collins (98) warms up before the match against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 1, 2014. (Benny Sieu / USA TODAY SPORTS)
He returned to Nets for the 2013-24 season, after the franchise moved to Brooklyn.
“Jason and his family welcome your support and your prayers and ask for a privacy as they dedicate their attention to Jason’s health and well-being,” his family said in a statement to the NBA.
Jason Collins (98) Brooklyn Nets in action against New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York, April 2, 2014. (Images Jim Mcisaac / Getty)
Collins collected an average of 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds in his career. During his best season, he has an average of 6.4 points and 6.1 rebounds for new jerseys of the time in 2004-2005.
Collins is currently the NBA ambassador.
