Jason Collins, NBA's first openly gay player, dead at 47

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Jason Collins, a longtime NBA role player who became widely known in 2013 as the first openly gay active player in a major American sports league, died Tuesday at age 47.

Collins passed away following an eight-month battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer he had been fighting since last August.

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The ex-center’s death comes as the NBA is also mourning Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, 29, with the losses unfolding within a short span.

Brooklyn Nets center Jason Collins conducts a radio interview following a 108-102 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif., on Feb. 23, 2014. (Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports)

Brooklyn Nets center Jason Collins warms up before a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wis., on March 1, 2014. (Benny Sieu/USA TODAY Sports)

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement on Tuesday regarding the loss:

"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. He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador.

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