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Former NBA and Nets player Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in league history, has died at the age of 47.<\/p>\n
Collins announced in November that he had Stage 4 Glioblastoma and his family revealed the tragic news of his passing on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
He died peacefully in his home.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,\u201d his family confirmed in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cJason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur family will miss him dearly.\u201d<\/p>\n
Watch NBA with ESPN on Kayo Sports | Stream an average 9 LIVE Regular Season games per week plus the best of the NBA Playoffs.| New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1 ><\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Collins\u2019 13-year NBA career spanned two stints with the Nets, along with the Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Hawks, Celtics and Wizards.<\/p>\n \u201cJason Collins\u2019 impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations,\u201d NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.<\/p>\n \u201cHe exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador. Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others.<\/p>\n \u201cOn behalf of the NBA, I send my heartfelt condolences to Jason\u2019s husband, Brunson, and his family, friends and colleagues across our leagues.\u201d<\/p>\n The news comes hours after confirmation that Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died at the age of 29.<\/a><\/p>\n This article originally appeared on the New York Post<\/a> and was reproduced with permission<\/b><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n