In a powerful moment on Inside the NBA, Charles Barkley earned widespread praise from fans and social media users alike after honoring the late Jason Collins, the first openly gay athlete in a major American professional sports league. Collins passed away at age 47 after a courageous battle with brain cancer.
Barkley, joined by fellow basketball legends, took time during the ESPN broadcast to salute Collins for living his truth in what he called a "homophobic" world. Reflecting on Collins' decision to come out in 2013, Barkley said, "I thought it was amazing. To put himself under the microscope and the scrutiny. He was a shining example, 'Do you, man.' Anybody out there struggling with their sexuality, do you."
Collins was drafted by the Houston Rockets in 2001 and went on to play for the Nets and Grizzlies before making history with his announcement in Sports Illustrated: "I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay." His bravery opened doors for countless athletes and fans, but Barkley noted that the journey is far from over.
Speaking with co-host Shaquille O'Neal and the rest of the panel, Barkley didn't hold back. He asserted that many gay athletes still play in the NFL, MLB, and NBA, yet most remain closeted due to societal pressures. "If another guy did it, it would still be a big deal because we live in a homophobic society," Barkley said. "And that's unfortunate. Anybody who thinks we ain't got a bunch of gay players in all sports, they're just stupid."
He added that while animosity toward the LGBTQ+ community persists, it won't change the reality of who people are. "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," he emphasized.
This isn't the first time the Hall of Famer has spoken out on LGBTQ+ issues, but this heartfelt tribute to Collins—who died from Stage 4 glioblastoma—reminds us all that sports are at their best when every athlete feels free to be themselves.