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Remembering Jason Collins: A Trailblazer's Story
17 May
Summary
- Jason Collins passed away Tuesday at age 47 after battling brain cancer.
- His 2013 announcement made him the first active gay player in major North American sports.
- Colleagues reflect on his courage and grace in making a historic personal announcement.
Jason Collins, who became the first active openly gay player in the NBA and major North American sports, died Tuesday at 47. He had been undergoing treatment for brain cancer for five months prior to his passing. Collins' groundbreaking announcement occurred in a 2013 essay co-authored for Sports Illustrated, a moment that profoundly impacted his career and relationships.
His agent, Arn Tellem, recalled the announcement as a significant and powerful event. The essay, titled 'Why NBA center Jason Collins is coming out now,' was meticulously prepared. Collaborators included writer Franz Lidz and executive editor Jon Wertheim, who worked with Collins to share his personal story authentically.
Sports Illustrated managing editor Chris Stone noted the essay became the publication's most-read online story at the time. He emphasized the joy and importance of the moment, distinguishing it from typical professional pride. Stone described the essay as 'the perfect story,' direct yet informed by thought and elegance, and unequivocally belonging to Collins.
While Collins' coming out preceded nationwide marriage equality in the US, it garnered support from prominent figures like Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. However, the online commentary section had to be shut down due to negativity. Despite hope that his announcement would pave the way for more athletes, few have followed suit, particularly in the NBA.
