Jason Collins undergoing brain tumor treatment, family says

Former NBA center and league ambassador Jason Collins is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, his family said Thursday in a statement shared by the NBA. The statement asked for privacy and welcomed "your support and prayers" as the 46 year old and his family focus on his health and wellbeing.

Collins, a 7 foot center who played 13 seasons in the NBA, was the 18th pick of the 2001 draft out of Stanford. He spent the bulk of his career with the New Jersey and later Brooklyn Nets, and also had stints with the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards. The family statement was released by the league on Thursday morning, according to the NBA.

Known more widely for his public coming out than his box score, Collins made history in 2013 when he revealed he was gay in a Sports Illustrated article, becoming the first openly gay active player in any of the four major North American men's professional sports leagues. He later returned to play for the Nets in the 2013-14 season and retired in 2014. Since retiring, Collins has served as an NBA ambassador and an advocate for LGBTQ inclusion in sport.

In paying tribute to his advocacy,...