Former NBA player Jason Collins treated for brain tumor

Field Level Media|published: Thu 11th September, 13:18 2025

Jul 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Former NBA player Jason Collins speaks during the 2016 Democratic National Convention at Wells Fargo Arena. Collins is first publicly gay athlete to play in any of four major American sports. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY NETWORK

Former NBA player Jason Collins is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, the NBA announced Thursday.

"Jason and his family welcome your support and prayers and kindly ask for privacy as they dedicate their attention to Jason's health and well-being," the league said in a statement.

A 7-foot center, Collins played eight of his 13 seasons with the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets and also spent time with the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves and Washington Wizards.

Collins, 46, averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds in 735 games (477 starts) from 2001-14. He was drafted with the 18th overall pick by the Houston Rockets in 2001 after starring at Stanford alongside twin brother Jarron Collins.

Jason Collins made news off the court when he came out as gay in the May 6, 2013 issue of Sports Illustrated. He was the first active male athlete from one of the four major North American professional sports leagues to do so publicly.

--Field Level Media