The remark comes after Carolyn Moose-Hardin, the ex-fiancée of late NBA pioneer Jason Collins, handed away this week from mind most cancers.
“How treasured life is and the way treasured well being is. I want everybody a protracted life. I pray for peace and that our methods of positively impacting individuals’s lives are everlasting,” Moose Hardin, 47, mentioned in an unique assertion to Us Weekly. “Our condolences exit to Jason’s household and people closest to him. Please settle for the reward, really feel our presence and provides, and know that point is our biggest reward.”
After assembly as student-athletes at Stanford College, Collins and Moose Hardin dated for eight years and ultimately turned engaged.
Collins got here out publicly in a 2013 Sports activities Illustrated cowl story, turning into the primary brazenly homosexual participant in NBA historical past.
His demise was introduced by his household on Tuesday, Might 12, 5 months after revealing he had been identified with stage IV glioblastoma. He was 47 years outdated.
“Jason modified lives in surprising methods and was an inspiration to all who knew him and people who admired him from afar,” the household mentioned in a press release. “We’re grateful for the outpouring of affection, prayers, and distinctive care Jason obtained from the medical doctors and nurses over the previous eight months. Jason shall be dearly missed by our household.”
Collins was married to her husband, Branson Inexperienced, on the time of her demise, and so they started courting quickly after popping out. The 2 obtained married in Might 2025.
Moose Hardin and her husband married in Might 2025 and gave delivery to their daughter, Chaisa, in December 2025.
Collins’ demise drew an awesome response from the NBA group, together with league commissioner Adam Silver.
“Jason Collins’ influence and affect went far past basketball, and he helped make the NBA, WNBA and bigger sports activities group extra inclusive and welcoming for future generations,” Silver, 64, mentioned in a press release. He exemplified excellent management and professionalism all through his 13-year NBA profession and thru his dedication as an NBA Cares Ambassador. ”
Silver added, “Jason shall be remembered not just for breaking obstacles, but additionally for the kindness and humanity that outlined his life and touched so many. On behalf of the NBA, we prolong our deepest condolences to Jason’s husband Brunson, his household, buddies, and colleagues throughout the league.”
NBA legend Charles Barkley bragged about Collins’ accomplishments and affect on ESPN’s Contained in the NBA on Wednesday, Might thirteenth.
“When he got here out, I assumed, hey, it is nice to place myself beneath the microscope and get all of the scrutiny and hate and vitriol that is going to return,” mentioned Barkley, 63. “However I hate the best way this story ended, as a result of he was a shining instance.” [of]“Actually? Dude.”Clearly, there are individuals on the market who’re combating their sexuality. Gays have the fitting to do what they need. It isn’t another person’s downside in any respect. ”
She added: “It was nice that he got here out. Clearly, particularly within the black group, being homosexual is commonly handled badly, and that sucks too. However I used to be so pleased with him popping out. After I heard the information yesterday, it simply sucked.”
