Former NBA basketball player Jason Collins, who was the first player in the world's strongest league to admit that he was gay, has died at the age of 47 after a serious illness, the NBA's official website reports. Earlier, an NBA legend who deserved a monument in his lifetime passed away.
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The 7-foot-6 former center, Collins, lost a difficult battle with stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. He fought bravely in recent months and tried experimental treatments, but the disease returned, and the former NBA ace died at home surrounded by family and loved ones.
“On behalf of the NBA, we extend our deepest condolences to Jason Branson's wife, as well as his family, friends and colleagues,” the league said in a statement.
During his 13-year NBA career, Jason Collins played for the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards.
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In 2013, the basketball player shocked the sports world by publicly declaring his homosexuality.
“I'm 34 years old, I'm an NBA center. I have dark skin. And I'm gay,” these words then spread around the world.
Collins has since received overwhelming support from numerous celebrities, including Kobe Bryant, Barack Obama, and Oprah Winfrey.
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Last year, Jason Collins married his longtime partner, Hollywood producer Branson Green, who is best known for his work on the film The Handmaid's Tale.
By the way, Jason Collins has a twin brother, Justin, with whom he shone on the court as part of the Stanford University team.
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Previously, “FACTS” reported that the legendary NBA champion, who was being transported from a nursing home to the White House, had died.
Photos from social networks