Skip to content

Coronavirus: Former NBA player Jason Collins reveals positive test

Jason Collins in action for the Brooklyn Nets in 2014
Image: Jason Collins in action for the Brooklyn Nets in 2014

Former NBA player Jason Collins revealed on Tuesday that he recently tested positive for the coronavirus.

Collins said on Twitter he believes he caught it on March 4 when the Brooklyn Nets hosted the Memphis Grizzlies.

"I tested positive for COVID19," Collins began. "I believe I got it while on a trip to NYC at the beginning of the month for the Brooklyn Nets Pride night game. I had my first symptoms on Wed Mar 11. Terrible headache. A few days later I had a fever and then the cough."

Collins said he sought treatment as recently as Saturday and is considering going back for more.

Coronavirus latest: Live updates
Coronavirus latest: Live updates

Stay up to date as the world of sport battles the spread of COVID-19

"On Saturday I went to the ER and got tested and spoke with some docs about the tightness in my chest," Collins tweeted. "I'm home now resting but still experiencing some tightness and might go back to the hospital later today. On Saturday my lungs were clear, which obviously is good."

Collins, 41, played 13 NBA seasons from 2001 to 2014, and spent seven-plus years with the Nets.

Jason Collins addresses the media at a Los Angeles Lakers game
Image: Collins addresses the media at a Los Angeles Lakers game

He came out as gay in May 2013 and retired following the 2013-14 season.

Also See:

Collins averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds in 735 career games (477 starts).

Follow Sky Sports NBA on Twitter
Follow Sky Sports NBA on Twitter

See the NBA's best plays and stay up to date with the latest news

His twin brother Jarron also played in the NBA, and is currently an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors.

At least 10 active players have tested positive for the coronavirus but only five of them have been identified: Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets, Utah Jazz All-Stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, the Detroit Pistons' Christian Wood and the Boston Celtics' Marcus Smart.

Join our NBA group on Facebook
Join our NBA group on Facebook

Sign up and join the NBA conversation in our Facebook group

Want to watch even more of the NBA but don't have Sky Sports? Get the Sky Sports Action and Arena pack, click here.

Around Sky