Jason Collins, the first openly gay active professional athlete, dies at 47


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Jason Collins, a veteran NBA player who became widely known in 2013 as the first openly gay active player in a major American sports league, died Tuesday at age 47.

Collins passed away after an eight-month battle with stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer that he had been battling since last August.

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The former center's death comes as the NBA is also mourning 29-year-old Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, with the losses unfolding in a short span.

Brooklyn Nets center Jason Collins conducts a radio interview following a 108-102 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on February 23, 2014. (Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports)

Brooklyn Nets center Jason Collins warming up on the basketball court

Brooklyn Nets center Jason Collins warms up before a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on March 1, 2014. (Benny Sieu/USA TODAY Sports)

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement Tuesday regarding the loss:

“Jason Collins' impact and influence extended far beyond basketball, as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and the broader sports community more inclusive and welcoming to future generations. He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares ambassador.

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“Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others. On behalf of the NBA, I send my deepest condolences to Jason's husband, Brunson, and his family, friends and colleagues in our leagues.”

Jason Collins of the Brooklyn Nets running on the basketball court at Madison Square Garden

Jason Collins of the Brooklyn Nets plays against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York City on April 2, 2014. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Collins built a long NBA career as a role-playing center. The 7-footer out of Stanford averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds in 13 seasons and was primarily used in defensive and physical matchups.

Collins saw rotation minutes for the New Jersey Nets during their consecutive NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003.

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In 2013, Collins gained national attention when she appeared in a first-person essay for illustrated sportsbecoming the first active NBA player to do so. He returned to play one final season with the Brooklyn Nets in 2014 before serving as an NBA Cares ambassador.

Collins is survived by her husband, film producer Brunson Green, and her twin brother, Jarron, who followed a similar path at Stanford and the NBA.

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