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The former NBA player Jason Collins is receiving treatment for a brain tumor, his family announced.
In an essay in the first person published in Sports Illustrated in 2013, Collins wrote about his sexuality and became the first openly homosexual player in any of the four main professional sports leagues in North America.
At that time, Collins said his public admission was the first time he had talked about that aspect of his personal life beyond his family and close friends.
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The Brooklyn Nets center, Jason Collins, conducts a radio interview after a 108-102 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, on February 23, 2014. (Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today Sports)
“Nobody wants to live with fear. I am always afraid of saying the wrong thing. I don't sleep well. I have never done it,” Collins wrote in 2013. “But every time I tell another person, I feel stronger and sleep a little more deeply. I felt complete for the first time.”
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Collins retired in 2014. His 13 -year -old career included stops with the Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards organization.
The Brooklyn Nets Jason Collins Center (98) is heated before the game against the Milwaukee Bucks in BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on March 1, 2014. (Benny Sieu/USA Today Sports)
He returned to the Nets for the 2013-24 season, after the franchise moved to Brooklyn.
“Jason and his family welcome their support and prayers and ask for privacy kindly while dedicating their attention to the health and well -being of Jason,” his family said in a statement to the NBA.
Jason Collins (98) of the Brooklyn Nets in action against the New York Knicks in the Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, on April 2, 2014. (Jim Mcisaac/Getty images)
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Collins averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds in his career. In his best season, he averaged 6.4 points and 6.1 rebounds for the then New Jersey Nets in 2004-05.
Collins currently serves as NBA ambassador.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
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