(AP) – Jason Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player who now serves as an ambassador for the league, is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, his family said Thursday.
Collins announced he was gay in 2013, becoming the first publicly gay athlete to play in any of the four main North American sports leagues.
He played for the Hawks from 2009 to 2012, appearing in 133 games. Collins also played for the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards and back to the Nets after they moved to Brooklyn.
His family sent a statement to the NBA on 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 statement said.
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 Nets in 2004-05. He averaged 1.5 points per game and 1.6 rebounds per game for the Hawks.
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