Former Harvard-Westlake Star Jason Collins Faces Silent Battle: Inside His Fight Against a Brain Tumor
Jason Collins—a name that resonates far beyond the hardwood floors of the NBA—now faces a challenge no athlete ever desires: battling a brain tumor. The former Harvard-Westlake star, who famously broke barriers as the first active NBA player to come out as gay, has shared this deeply personal struggle with the world through a statement from the league. At 46 years old, Collins’ journey from a record-shattering high school career to a 13-year stint in professional basketball is nothing short of remarkable. Now, as he and his family focus entirely on his health, they’ve asked for privacy and support—a plea I’m certain every fan and follower will respect. This moment underscores the sheer vulnerability behind the veneer of athletic greatness—a reminder that no matter the accolades, we’re all human at the core.
Retired NBA player and former Harvard-Westlake star Jason Collins is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, the NBA said Thursday in a statement released on behalf of Collins and his family.
“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 league said.
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A 46-year-old native of Northridge, Jason Collins and twin brother, Jarron, led Harvard-Westlake to state Division III titles in 1996 and 1997, with the former being named the state Division III player of the year both seasons. His 1,500 career rebounds stood as a CIF state record until 2010, when Hemet West Valley’s Joe Burton finished his career with 1,721 rebounds.
Read more: Q&A: Jason Collins says Carl Nassib is making ‘a positive impact on someone else’s life’
Collins made first-team All-Pac-10 during his senior year at Stanford. He was selected 18th overall in the 2001 draft by the Houston Rockets and traded on draft night to the New Jersey Nets.
Averaging 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds during his 13-year NBA career, Collins also played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards.
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He was unsigned in April 2013 when he came out as gay in an open letter published in Sports Illustrated.
Signed by the Brooklyn Nets several months later, Collins became the first active NBA player to have come out as gay when the Nets played the Lakers on Feb. 23, 2014. He retired at the end of that season and has continued working with the league as an NBA Cares ambassador.
Collins and longtime partner Brunson Green were married in May.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
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