Chris Simms: Sean McVay, Les Snead had âa little bit of a heated argumentâ before Ty Simpson press conference
Sean McVay's serious mood at Ty Simpson's press conference explained by Chris Simms.
Charles Barkley stated that society remains homophobic during a discussion about the late NBA player Jason Collins, who recently passed away from brain cancer. Collins was the first openly gay athlete in the NBA.
Mentioned in this story
Charles Barkley
Screenshot
Charles Barkley on Wednesday argued that society still wasnât accepting of gay people during a talk about the recent death of former NBA player Jason Collins.
Collins, 47, died Tuesday after a months-long battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. A 13-year veteran of the NBA, Collins made history in 2013 when he came out as the first openly gay athlete in any of the four major North American sports leagues.
On Wednesday, the Inside the NBA crew paid tribute to Collins and his bold decision to come out 13 years earlier. Kenny Smith noted that, at the time, Collinsâs announcement was a big deal. Because it wouldnât be as big a deal today, he argued, showed that Collins helped to make society more accepting of the gay community.
Barkley, however, wasnât as eager to give the general public that much credit.
âYeah, but Kenny, in fairness now, if another guy did it, it would still be a big deal,â Barkley contended, âbecause we live in a homophobic society, and thatâs unfortunate. Thatâs whyâ first of all, anybody who thinks we ainât got a bunch of gay players in all sports, theyâre just stupid. But there is such animosity toward the gay community, and thatâs whatâs really unfortunate; but [if] anybody thinks him â and I know a couple of other soccer players that came out â if you think there are not more gay players in the NFL, Major League Baseball, and the NBA, youâre just stupid.â
The new of Collinsâs death was just part of the one of the darkest days in the NBA in recent memory. Hours earlier, it was announced that current Memphis Grizzlies player Brandon Clarke suddenly died the night before. According to TMZ, the 29-year-oldâs death was being investigated as a possible overdose.
Charles Barkley declared that we live in a homophobic society during a discussion about Jason Collins.
Jason Collins was the first openly gay athlete in the NBA, making history in 2013, and he recently died from glioblastoma.
Jason Collins battled glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, before his death.
Sean McVay's serious mood at Ty Simpson's press conference explained by Chris Simms.
Mönchengladbach hosts Hoffenheim in a crucial match for UCL qualification.
Pistons face crucial Game 6 against Cavaliers to stay alive in playoffs
Check out the standout performances from the high school softball regional finals!
Jacy Jayne's growing status hints at a big push on SmackDown!
Mariners' Cal Raleigh on 10-day IL due to right oblique strain
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.