Rumors

Arn Tellem was on vacation in Africa when he got a message from Jason Collins saying he had something important to discuss. Tellem thought his client was going to tell him he was leaving for a different agent. The NBA player’s news was a bit different: he was gay, and he was ready to come out. “I’ll never forget, it was a profound moment in my career and really was an incredibly powerful moment in our relationship,” Tellem said in an interview with The Athletic this week.

New York Times

Lidz spent the night writing. He specifically remembers choosing the opening lines: “I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay.” Collins wanted to be remembered for more than just his sexual identity. “I did it that way because I wanted to show the priority of what he considered himself,” Lidz said.

New York Times

Thank you, Jason Collins, for being large -- large of spirit, large of import, but also large of physical stature. That itself helped. It helped reinforce that gay people, an immutable portion of nature, breathe and thrive most everywhere, even in the merciless zones beneath NBA baskets among bruising collisions and untoward elbows and immovable giants. Thank you for much more, of course. Thank you for making life that much more breathable for people like myself. Thank you for a coming-out in 2013 bold enough that it approached "Heated Rivalry" level and earnest enough to epitomize dignity. Thank you for returning to the NBA for a while after that, for navigating the fearsome blast of noise in a country whose foremost knacks include loudness. And then, thank you for taking all the barbs you heard or saw or felt across the ensuing 13 years, for your genuine goodness in gliding above them (a feat even at 7 feet), for your steadfast awareness that the alleluias outnumbered them.

ESPN

One week prior, as an "NBA Cares" ambassador, you had spoken to about 20 kids at a clinic in San Antonio on Final Four weekend there, and you had told them about everything from Sally Ride to the goodness of Jerry Sloan to your recent trip to Bhutan to teach basketball. At one point near the end, you said you had no championship rings -- 13 seasons, two NBA Finals, 830 games, 95 playoff games -- but, well, "I'll have a wedding ring in a couple months." The kids had cheered.

ESPN

Pau Gasol: Rest in peace, Jason

x.com

[Inside The NBA] While discussing Jason Collins' passing, Charles Barkley: "We live in a homophobic society ... anybody who think we ain't got a bunch of gay players in all sports, they're just stupid."

reddit

Ramona Shelburne: No one could have fought this cancer with more grace and courage than my friend, Jason Collins. Devastated for him, his family and this world to lose such a bright light. But what a legacy he’s left us.

x.com

Mark Madsen: Jason was one of the strongest and kindest peple I have ever meet. He was ferocious on the court and full of love and kindness off the court. He welcomed everyone no matter your background. He was the guy who brought fun and energy to life. This is a beautiful statement from Jason’s family and I too will miss Jason dearly. "Jason 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. Our family will miss him dearly."

x.com

The Spurs announcer asks for a moment of silence for the recent passing of Brandon Clarke and Jason Collins. NBC inexplicably faded to black then cut to commercial in the middle of the moment; a DraftK*ngs commercial played on the broadcast.

reddit

Brevin Knight: I said crazy day because my Stanford family also lost Jason Collins. He showed a lot of courage to live his life proudly. We supported him as much as he supported every teammate he had and person he came in contact with. Condolences to his family! 🙏🏾🙏🏾

x.com

Tom Orsborn: Spurs had a moment of silence for Brandon Clarke and Jason Collins. Keldon Johnson came into the NBA at the same time as Clarke. "He seemed like an amazing person and I always heard great things about him," Keldon told me. "It sucks. Sending condolences to his family."

bsky.app

Brooklyn Nets: We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jason Collins. Jason spent eight seasons in a Nets uniform, helping define an era of our franchise and playing a vital role on our back-to-back Eastern Conference championship teams in 2002 and 2003. He was a constant in our locker room - selfless, tough, and deeply respected by teammates, coaches, and staff alike. Those who were around Jason every day knew him not just as a competitor, but as a genuinely kind, thoughtful person who brought people together. His impact extended far beyond the court, and his courage and authenticity helped move the game - and the world - forward. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Jason will always be a part of the Nets family, and he will be deeply missed.

Twitter

Jason Kidd: This one hurts. Jason Collins was a pioneer. He had courage like you've never seen. He was an incredible teammate. And having him in Brooklyn at the start of my coaching journey meant so much. Those who knew him were blessed to call him a friend. You are already missed my brother. Rest in power. 💔

Twitter

Ian Begley: NBA commissioner Adam Silver issues statement on passing of Jason Collins: "Jason Collins' 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.”

Twitter