The NBA has been rocked by a double death day of tragedy.
Just hours after the Memphis Grizzlies confirmed the death of Brandon Clarke, news emerged on Wednesday NBA icon Jason Collins has died after a battle with illness.
The first devastating news to drop came from the Grizzlies when the team released a statement to confirm Clarke, 29, died on Monday.
The forward’s death is being treated as a potential drug overdose, according to media reports in the United States.
The official cause of death has not been made public.
Hours later the Collins family released a statement through the NBA to announce Collins had died just months after announcing he was battling brain cancer.
Collins retired from the NBA in 2014 as a basketball icon, having become the first openly gay man to play in the NBA.
You can read more about Collins’ death below.
Clarke’s death, meanwhile, is being investigated by police.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies said in a statement.
“Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organisation and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.”
His management company, Priority Sports, said in a statement they were “beyond devastated” by Clarke’s death.
“He was the gentlest soul, who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family,” the agency said.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.
“As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organisation.”
The New York Post reports police found drug paraphernalia inside the California home he was occupying Monday.
Los Angeles Fire Department officials received an emergency call about 5pm (local time) on Monday, and paramedics declared Clarke dead after arriving at a San Fernando Valley residence, authorities told NBC Los Angeles.
An autopsy will be prepared.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver also released a statement.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke,” he said.
“As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organisation.”
Clarke appeared in two games with Memphis this season due to knee and calf injuries, and played in 309 in his career after being selected 21st overall out of Gonzaga by the Thunder in the 2019 NBA Draft.
He began his college career with San Jose State before working his way into the first round by earning All-American honours during his lone active season with Gonzaga.
Oklahoma City traded him to Memphis a few weeks after the draft.
The Vancouver native averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds across his career, and finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting in the 2019-20 season after averaging a career-best 12.1 points per game.
He earned All-Rookie First-Team honours and appeared to be set for a career at the top of the sport.
NBA’s first openly gay player leaves a legacy
Collins became the first male in the history of America’s four major sporting leagues to announce he was gay while still actively playing.
“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” Collins’ family said in a statement released through the league.
“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.”
Collins, 47, had revealed in a brief statement in September that he was undergoing treatment for a brain tumour and in December told ESPN that he had been diagnosed with a “multiforme” glioblastoma that was growing quickly.
He said that with the support of his husband, Brunson Green, and other friends and family he began treatment with medication followed by radiation and chemotherapy, opting to pursue innovative treatment in Singapore.
After treatment he was able to return home and attended NBA All-Star Weekend events in Los Angeles.
Collins retired in 2014 after a 13-year NBA career that included time with the Nets — in both New Jersey and Brooklyn — the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics.
He announced he was gay in a 2013 Sports Illustrated story and the following year played 22 games for the Brooklyn Nets, coached at the time by his former New Jersey teammate Jason Kidd.
“When I did come out publicly, it was interesting, it was very rare, but I got back-to-back calls from Oprah Winfrey and President Barack Obama,” Collins recalled in a November interview with ESPN.
“President Obama said ‘Congratulations — what you’ve done today will have a positive impact on someone you might not ever meet in your lifetime.’”
He said he hoped discussing his cancer diagnosis could help a stranger in the same way.
“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,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said.
“He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work asan NBA Cares Ambassador.
“Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touchedso many others.
“On behalf of the NBA, I send my heartfelt condolences to Jason’s husband, Brunson, and his family, friends and colleagues across our leagues.”
— with AFP