Jason Collins, NBA’s first out gay player, dies aged 47 of brain tumor

Collins, a pioneer for inclusion and an ambassador for the NBA, died after eight-month battle with glioblastoma

Jason Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player, who went on to become a pioneer for inclusion and an ambassador for the league, has died after an eight-month battle with an aggressive form of a brain tumor, his family announced on Tuesday.

Collins spent 13 years as a player in the league for six different franchises, including the Boston Celtics and the New Jersey Nets. He revealed in 2013 that he was gay, an announcement that came toward the end of his playing career.

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