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Jason Collins<\/a>, who in 2013 made history<\/a> when he became the NBA\u2019s first openly gay player, is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Collins\u2019 family made the announcement regarding the 46-year-old former athlete\u2019s health Thursday afternoon in a brief statement<\/a> published on the NBA\u2019s social media platforms. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cJason and his family welcome your support and prayers and kindly ask for privacy as they dedicate their attention to Jason\u2019s health and well-being,\u201d the statement read. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n The news drew an outpouring of support from fans as well as some of Collins\u2019 former teams. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cJason is truly a pillar of Stanford basketball and he has been an inspiration in his life after playing as well,\u201d Eric Reveno, who is men\u2019s associate head coach at California\u2019s Stanford University, said in a statement<\/a>. \u201cHold onto your favorite Jason story, and think about what you\u2019ll share with him when he wins this battle.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cSending our love and support to [Jason Collins] and his family,\u201d the Brooklyn Nets wrote on Instagram<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n A native of Northridge, California, Collins was drafted into the NBA in 2001 by the Houston Rockets. He would go on to play for New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets before his retirement in 2014. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cI wish I wasn\u2019t the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, \u2018I\u2019m different.\u2019 If I had my way, someone else would have already done this,\u201d he said at the time. \u201cNobody has, which is why I\u2019m raising my hand.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n 20 Years Of<\/span>Free<\/span>Journalism<\/span><\/p>\n Your Support<\/span>Fuels<\/span>Our Mission<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Your Support<\/span>Fuels<\/span>Our Mission<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n