Jason Collins, first openly gay NBA player, dies at 47
Jason Collins, first openly gay NBA player, dies at 47
Barry Werner, List WireWed, May 13, 2026 at 4:58 AM UTC
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Former NBA player Jason Collins, the league's first openly gay player, died on May 12. Collins had been battling Stage 4 gliaobastoma brain cancer since November. Jason Collins was 47. He was much more than an NBA player. He became a spokesperson, advocate and global ambassador for the sport as well as many other causes. When Collins came out publicly in a Sports Illustrated article in May 2013. As an aside from his story, he also revealed why he chose to wear No. 98. It was a tribute to Matthew Shepard, a University of Wyoming student who was beaten, tortured and left to die in October of 1998. Shepard's mom Judy spoke about Collins' gesture. “It made me cry,” Judy Shepard told FOXSports.com during an interview. “It was really quite a tribute, and I was very honored. And I know Matt would be thrilled.” Collins' family released a statement: “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar," Collins' family said in a statement released through the NBA. "We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly.”
Former NBA player Jason Collins, the league's first openly gay player, died on May 12. Collins had been battling Stage 4 gliaobastoma brain cancer since November.
Jason Collins was 47. He was much more than an NBA player. He became a spokesperson, advocate and global ambassador for the sport as well as many other causes.
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Collins came out publicly in a Sports Illustrated article in May 2013. As an aside from his story, he also revealed why he chose to wear No. 98. It was a tribute to Matthew Shepard, a University of Wyoming student who was beaten, tortured and left to die in October of 1998. Shepard's mom Judy spoke about Collins' gesture. “It made me cry,” Judy Shepard told FOXSports.com during an interview. “It was really quite a tribute, and I was very honored. And I know Matt would be thrilled.”
Collins' family released a statement: “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly.”
Jason Collins
Jason Collins #35 of the New Jersey Nets reacts in Game three of the 2002 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers.Jason Collins
Jason Collins #35 of the New Jersey Nets dribbles the ball during the NBA game against the Detroit Pistons.Jason Collins
Kenyon Martin #6, Jason Collins #35, and Kerry Kittles #30 of the New Jersey Nets celebrate after they went up 67-55 over the Boston Celtics in Game two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.Jason Collins
David Robinson #50 of the San Antonio Spurs attempts to rebound against Jason Collins #35 and Kenyon Martin #6 of the New Jersey Nets.Jason Collins
David Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs (R) knocks the ball away from Jason Collins of the New Jersey Nets.Jason Collins
ason Collins (R) of the New Jersey Nets guards Shaquille O'Neal (L) of the Los Angeles Lakers during game two of the NBA Finals.Jason Collins
Al Jefferson #8 of the Boston Celtics controls the ball against Jason Collins #35 of the New Jersey Nets.Jason Collins
NBA's Jason Collins and Jared Collins arrive at the 2007 NBPA All-Star Gala.Jason Collins
Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic battles for a loose ball against Jason Collins #34 and Al Horford #15 of the Atlanta Hawks.Jason Collins
Jason Collins # 98 of Celtics competes with Ioannis Bourousis # 15 of Armani during the NBA Europe Live game.Jason Collins
Jason Collins #98 of the Boston Celtics takes a break in the game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center.Jason Collins
Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics is congratulated by teammates Jason Collins #98 and Courtney Lee #11.Jason Collins
NBA Commissioner David Stern, pro basketball player Jason Collins, and GLSEN executive director Dr. Eliza Byard.Jason Collins
BBA player Jason Collins and former Major League Baseball player Billy Bean throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.Jason Collins
NBA Player Jason Collins speaks onstage during the 9th Annual GLSEN Respect Awards.Jason CollinsJason CollinsJason CollinsJason CollinsJason Collins
This article originally appeared on The List Wire: Jason Collins, first openly gay NBA player, dies
Source: “AOL Sports”
