NBA Says Goodbye to Brandon Clarke and Jason Collins

May 14, 2026, 15:40
USSports

Introduction

The NBA is sad. Two basketball players, Brandon Clarke and Jason Collins, died recently.

Main Body

Brandon Clarke was 29 years old. He died on May 11 in California. Police think he took too many drugs. He played for the Memphis Grizzlies. His team says he was a great friend and player. Jason Collins was 47 years old. He died on May 12. He had a very bad brain sickness for eight months. He played for six teams. In 2013, he told the world he was gay. He was the first active player to do this. On May 13, sports experts talked about these men on TV. Charles Barkley said some people are mean to gay athletes. He said this happens in the NBA and other sports. He also told young players to stay away from drugs.

Conclusion

The NBA remembers both men. Police are still looking into Brandon Clarke's death. People remember Jason Collins for his courage.

Learning

🕒 Talking about the Past

When we talk about things that happened before now, we often change the action word (verb). Look at the text:

  • is (now) → was (past)
  • say (now) → said (past)
  • tell (now) → told (past)

Example from the story: "Brandon Clarke was 29 years old."

🧩 Building Descriptions

To describe a person, we use this simple pattern: Person + was + Adjective

  • He was great.
  • He was gay.
  • He was courageous.

Tip: Use "was" for one person and "were" for many people.

Vocabulary Learning

sad (adj.)
Feeling unhappy or disappointed.
Example:I felt sad when I heard that the game was cancelled.
player (n.)
A person who plays a sport or game.
Example:The player scored the winning point.
team (n.)
A group of people working together in a game.
Example:Their team won the championship last year.
died (v.)
To stop living; to pass away.
Example:He died after a long illness.
police (n.)
The group of people who enforce the law.
Example:Police investigated the accident.
drugs (n.)
Medicines or illegal substances that affect the body.
Example:He was found with illegal drugs in his bag.
mean (adj.)
Unfriendly or cruel.
Example:Some people are mean when they tease others.
young (adj.)
Not old; at an early stage of life.
Example:The young player learned quickly.
stay (v.)
Remain in the same place or condition.
Example:Please stay calm during the emergency.
away (adv.)
Not near; at a distance.
Example:She walked away from the noisy crowd.
courage (n.)
The ability to do something difficult or scary.
Example:He showed great courage by speaking out.
sports (n.)
Physical activities that involve competition.
Example:Many people enjoy watching sports on TV.
expert (n.)
A person who knows a lot about something.
Example:The expert gave advice on how to improve.