Brooklyn Nets Jason Collins (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File) Jason Collins, a former NBA player to create history as the first openly homosexual man playing in the main American professional sports league, undergoing brain tumor treatment, the league said on Thursday. The official statement said: “Ambassador of NBA and thirteen -year -old NBA veteran Jason Collins is currently undergoing a brain tumor. Jason and his family welcome your support and prayers and kindly ask for privacy because they pay their attention to Jason’s health and well -being.” Collins, 46, played 13 seasons in the NBA, starting with New Jersey Nets and ending with Brooklyn Nets. He also played for Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves and Washington Wizards, average 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds over 735 career games. In November 2014 he retired. February 23, 2014, Collins created history by becoming the first openly gay NBA player when he took the floor for networks against Los Angeles Lakers. He publicly shared his sexuality of the previous April in an article from the first person published in Sports Illustrated. NETS expressed support on social media and wrote, “She sent our love and support @jasoncollins98 and his family.” The NBA also shared the message of encouragement for Collins, who continued to serve as an NBA Cares Ambassador and remains a strong advocate the inclusion of LGBTQ+ in sport. Fans and colleagues athletes also expressed their solidarity, sent messages and I wish him a full recovery.
