Charles Barkley Says There’s a ‘Bunch of Gay Players’ in Pro Sports but Society Is Too ‘Homophobic’
Charles Barkley Says There’s a ‘Bunch of Gay Players’ in Pro Sports but Society Is Too ‘Homophobic’
Paloma ChavezThu, May 14, 2026 at 6:19 PM UTC
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Charles Barkley is calling out what he says is a "homophobic society"
Credit: Mitchell Layton/Getty
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Charles Barkley criticized societal homophobia and dismissed the idea that there are no gay players in professional sports
His remarks come after the death of Jason Collins, the first openly gay NBA player
“There is such an animosity towards the gay community,” Barkley said
Charles Barkley is calling out what he describes as a “homophobic society,” classifying anyone who believes there are no gay players in professional sports as “stupid.”
On Tuesday, May 12, during an airing of NBA Tip-Off,Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley spoke about the deaths of NBA players Jason Collins and Brandon Clarke.
Smith, 61, paid tribute to Collins, the first openly gay NBA player, who died on Tuesday at age 47, calling him a trailblazer for other players to follow.
“Thirteen years ago it was a big deal,” Smith said, referring to Collins being an openly gay athlete. “The reason why it doesn't feel as big now at times is because of people like him.”
That's when Barkley, 63, interjected to state his claims that “it would still be a big deal.”
“We live in a homophobic society,” Barkley said, adding, “Anybody who think we ain't got a bunch of gay players in all sports, they're just stupid.”
“There is such an animosity towards the gay community,” Barkley continued.
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Johnson ended up chiming in, praising Collins for using his platform to tell the world “you don't have to live in the shadows.”
“He said ‘your life is so much better when you just show up as your true self,' " Johnson added.
This isn't the first time Barkley has taken a stand against hatred towards marginalized communities.
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In 2023, Barkley shared a message to anyone criticizing the LGBTQ+ community following backlash against corporations like Bud Light who partnered with influencer Dylan Mulvaney to advertise its beer.
“If you're gay, God bless you. If you're trans, God bless you. And if you have a problem with them — f--- you,” Barkley told a crowd at a bar in Lake Tahoe, Calif., while he was there for the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
