Sports legend, 47, dies as tributes paid – ‘he modified lives in sudden methods’
A sports trailblazer has died aged 47 as tributes were paid to the star who “changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar”
NBA legend Jason Collins has died
Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in the NBA, has died aged 47.
The former basketball star had been dealing with a brain tumour for eight months. A statement from his family released through the NBA said: “We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma. Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar.”
Collins revealed he was gay in 2013 towards the end of a 13-year NBA career in which he played for six teams, twice reaching the NBA Finals with the New Jersey Nets. He spoke out in Sports Illustrated, when at the time he was out of the game as a free agent. He later signed for the Brooklyn Nets, where he closed out his career.
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“It feels wonderful to have been part of these milestones for sports and for gay rights, and to have been embraced by the public, the coaches, the players, the league and history,” Collins wrote.
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