Charles Barkley Says There’s a ‘Bunch of Gay Players’ in Pro Sports but Society Is Too ‘Homophobic’

Charles Barkley is calling out what he says is a "homophobic society"
Credit: Mitchell Layton/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• 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.”