In April 2013, veteran NBA center Jason Collins made history by becoming the first active male athlete in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues to publicly come out as gay. His announcement shattered one of the most enduring taboos in modern sports and sparked a national conversation about inclusivity in locker rooms.
While the public reaction was a mix of widespread praise from political and sports icons and predictable scrutiny, the most crucial reaction for Jason was happening behind closed doors with his family. Most notably, his identical twin brother and fellow NBA player, Jarron Collins.
The bond between the twins was profound, and for the Collins brothers, that connection was reinforced by lifetimes of shared experiences. Because they were so close, Jason's revelation was a monumental shift in their shared reality.
Jarron candidly admitted that he had to process a truth about his brother that had remained hidden for over 30 years. It challenges the notion that twins inherently know everything about one another. Despite the initial shock, Jarron's reaction to Jason being gay encapsulated what unconditional familial love and solidarity truly mean.
"I won't lie. I had no idea," Jarron said of the moment Jason admitted he was gay via Sports Illustrated . "We talked, he answered my questions, I hugged him and I digested what he had told me. At the end of the day, this is what matters: He's my brother, he's a great guy, and I want him to be happy. I'll love him and I'll support him and, if necessary, I'll protect him."
"What does Jason want out of this? He wants to live his life," Jarron explained. "He wants a relationship, he wants a family, he wants to settle down. He wants to move forward with his personal life while maintaining his life as a professional basketball player. That's all, really."
Jarron's public reaction to his brother's announcement was universally praised for its warmth, humor and unwavering loyalty. He made it clear that, while the world might now view his brother through a different lens, the fundamental dynamics of their relationship remained entirely untouched by the news and the controversy that accompanied it.
Rather than treating the issue with heavy, fragile sentimentality, Jarron leaned into the natural, competitive banter that had defined their lives since childhood. By doing so, he proved to his brother and everyone that true acceptance doesn't require a change but rather the continuation of the same normal, everyday connection that had always existed.
"We're still going to give each other grief. (He's still going to be a terrible golfer; he's still the guy who could help more with changing my kids' diapers.)," Jarron reflected. "We'll still be competitive in our way. As kids, we were always pushing each other, whether it was for good grades or for possession of the remote control. As NBA players, we both wanted to be stronger, so each summer we would have a 'liftoff' to see who could put up more weight."
Sadly, Jason passed away this past May 12, 2026, at the age of 47, following a courageous eight-month battle with stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Even after his terminal diagnosis in late 2025, he faced his illness with the same transparency and bravery that defined his public life.
Jason also played a vital role as an NBA global ambassador. He dedicated his post-playing career to fostering empathy and acceptance across the sports community.
Expressing the collective grief and immense pride of his peers, the National Basketball Players released a poignant tribute honoring his memory.
"His courage shattered barriers, making him a global beacon of hope for the LGBTQ+ community," the union said in a statement. "He worked relentlessly to foster inclusion in locker rooms, schools, and communities, challenging us all to be more empathetic. Today, we mourn a devastating loss while celebrating a trailblazer whose legacy of bravery and inclusion will resonate for generations."
As for Jarron, he had always been proud of Jason for who he was. However, his respect and admiration for his twin brother, knowing that he lived and died with a purpose.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jun 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
