Jason Collins Comes Out as First Openly Gay NBA Player

Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in the NBA, passed away at 47 after battling Stage 4 glioblastoma. He made history in 2013 by coming out in a Sports Illustrated essay, stating, “I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay.” Collins emphasized that he did not seek to be a trailblazer but was proud to start an important conversation. His legacy is recognized for promoting inclusivity in sports, as praised by former commissioner David Stern and current commissioner Adam Silver.

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