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Former NBA player Jason Collins receives treatment for a brain tumor, announced his family.
In a first -person essay published in Sports Illustrated in 2013, Collins wrote about his sexuality and became the first open gay player in any of the four great North American men’s professional sport leagues.
At the time, Collins said his public admission was the first time he had talked about this aspect of his personal life beyond his family and close friends.
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Brooklyn Nets Center Jason Collins conducts a radio conversation after a 108-102 victory against 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’ve always been afraid to say the wrong thing. I don’t sleep well. I never have,” Collins wrote in 2013. “But every time I tell another person, I feel stronger and sleep a little more properly. It takes a huge amount of energy to protect such a big secret. I have endured years of misery and gone to Enor felt whole for the first time.”
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Collins retired in 2014. His 13-year-old career included stops with the Nets organization, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards.
Brooklyn Nets Center Jason Collins (98) warms up before fighting 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 prayers and please pray privacy when dedicating their attention to Jason’s health and well -being,” his family said in a statement to the NBA.
Jason Collins (98) from Brooklyn Nets in action against New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York on April 2, 2014. (Jim Mcisaac/Getty Images)
Collins average 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds in his career. In his best season he average 6.4 points and 6.1 rebounds for the then new Jersey Nets in 2004-05.
Collins is currently acting as ambassador for the NBA.
