Jason Collins and Brandon Clarke: NBA mourns deaths of trailblazer and Grizzlies forward
Jason Collins and Brandon Clarke have died, plunging the NBA into mourning; Collins, 47, succumbed to an aggressive brain tumor, while Clarke, 29, was found dead amid a police probe. (apnews.com)
Former NBA center Jason Collins dies at 47
Jason Collins, the former NBA center who in 2013 became the first active player in the league to publicly identify as gay, has died at age 47 after an eight-month fight with an aggressive brain cancer. His family announced his passing and praised his courage and the inspiration he offered to many. (apnews.com)
Collins spent 13 seasons in the NBA, appearing for several franchises including the Nets, Celtics and Brooklyn’s Nets after the team relocated. League officials and former teammates highlighted both his on-court professionalism and his later work as an ambassador. (apnews.com)
Collins sought experimental treatment in Singapore after revealing Stage 4 glioblastoma
In December, Collins told ESPN that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, a fast-moving and often terminal form of brain cancer, and outlined his decision to pursue experimental therapies abroad. He traveled to Singapore to undergo treatments not yet authorized in the United States, joining a small group of patients seeking novel approaches to penetrate the blood‑brain barrier. (espn.com.sg)
Those treatments briefly improved his condition, according to reports, but the cancer ultimately returned and his family confirmed his ongoing struggle in statements released through the NBA. The public disclosure had followed an earlier, intentionally brief family announcement intended to protect privacy while Collins recovered his ability to speak. (espn.com.sg)
Collins remembered for breaking barriers and advancing inclusion
Collins’ coming out in 2013 was widely covered and widely praised at the time for challenging norms across professional sport. League officials said his decision helped shift the culture in the NBA, the WNBA and the broader sports world toward greater acceptance and openness. (apnews.com)
Commissioner Adam Silver and advocacy groups emphasized Collins’ role as a pioneer and as an ambassador who continued to work on inclusion until his illness. Teammates and coaches recalled his steadiness and the human dimension he brought to conversations around identity in athletics. (apnews.com)
Memphis forward Brandon Clarke found dead at 29; LAPD cites possible overdose
Brandon Clarke, the 29‑year‑old forward who spent his entire seven‑season NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies, was found dead on Monday at a home in the Los Angeles area, the team said. Authorities and a person familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press that drug paraphernalia was discovered at the scene and that an autopsy was planned to determine the exact cause of death. (apnews.com)
Local law enforcement notified national outlets that while investigators found drugs or paraphernalia, there was no evidence of foul play; the medical examiner’s findings are expected to provide clarity on the circumstances. The Grizzlies and Clarke’s representatives have not released additional medical details. (apnews.com)
Clarke’s career, injuries and team statements
Selected 21st overall in the 2019 draft after a standout season at Gonzaga, Clarke quickly established himself as a high‑motor forward and earned recognition among the league’s promising newcomers. He finished high in 2019‑20 Rookie of the Year voting and later became a fixture off Memphis’ bench and in their rotation. (apnews.com)
In recent seasons Clarke’s availability was limited by injuries, including a ruptured Achilles in 2023, and he appeared in only two games this season before suffering further ailments. The Grizzlies and his agency, Priority Sports, issued statements describing Clarke as a beloved teammate and “the gentlest soul,” and said they were devastated by his death. (apnews.com)
League and community issue tributes and honors
The NBA, teams and players issued immediate condolences after both deaths, with Commissioner Adam Silver describing Collins as a figure whose influence went “far beyond basketball” and calling Clarke a “beloved teammate and leader” who played with passion. Tributes poured in from former colleagues, civil rights groups and collegiate programs. (apnews.com)
Moments of silence and memorial gestures were observed at playoff games and other events across the league, and teams paused to acknowledge the broader emotional impact of losing two figures from the basketball community within days of one another. Officials urged fans and members of the media to respect the privacy of the families during ongoing investigations and grieving. (apnews.com)
Both families have asked for privacy as they make arrangements and as investigators and medical examiners complete their work. The NBA said it would continue to support those affected and to commemorate the contributions that Collins and Clarke made to the sport and to their communities.
