Rusty Weiss
Charles Barkley spoke candidly on Inside the NBA about the alleged lingering societal resistance facing gay athletes while paying tribute to Jason Collins, the former NBA player who became the first openly gay active player when he came out in 2013.
Collins died Tuesday at age 47 after a battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma.
Barkley on Jason Collins Death: ‘Too Much Animosity Toward the Gay Community’
Barkley argued that despite the passage of more than 13 years, the environment remains challenging, with many gay athletes still choosing to stay private due to widespread pushback.
The Hall of Famer asserted there are “a bunch of gay players” across the NFL, NBA, and MLB who remain closeted because of the prevailing attitudes.
“If another guy did it, it would still be a big deal because we live in a homophobic society,” Barkley said regarding Collins’ coming out. “And that’s unfortunate. Anybody who think we ain’t got a bunch of gay players in all sports, they’re just stupid.”
Inside The NBA: While discussing Jason Collins' passing, Charles Barkley: "We live in a homophobic society … anybody who think we ain't got a bunch of gay players in all sports, they're just stupid."
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) May 14, 2026
Via @ESPNNBA pic.twitter.com/TJMIPoytHE
“There is such animosity toward the gay community, and that’s what really unfortunate,” Barkley added. “But anybody that think him coming — I know a couple of other soccer players that came out — if you think there are not more gay players in the NFL, Major League Baseball, and the NBA, you’re just stupid.”
Literally nobody has been making this claim.
His co-hosts, including Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson, joined in honoring Collins’ bravery, noting how his decision helped normalize conversations even if full acceptance has been slower than hoped.
Barkley’s comments come as the sports world continues to reflect on Collins’ legacy. The 13-year NBA veteran played 735 games and suited up for the Brooklyn Nets in his final season after publicly coming out.
While figures like Carl Nassib later came out in the NFL, no active openly gay players are currently in the major leagues, underscoring Barkley’s point.
Barkley’s comments oversimplify a complex reality. Polls show most fans and players would accept an openly gay teammate—hardly evidence of a broadly “homophobic society” holding people back.
Fans don’t care so long as their team puts out the best possible roster. Players don’t care so long as their locker is full of the best possible teammates.
