Retired NBA Star Charles Barkley Claims ‘a Bunch’ of Professional Athletes Are Privately Gay

TL;DR

Charles Barkley claims many professional athletes are privately gay, highlighting ongoing homophobia in sports. He made these remarks following the death of Jason Collins, the first openly gay NBA player.

Key points

Charles Barkley claims many professional athletes are gay.
His comments follow the death of Jason Collins, the first openly gay NBA player.
Barkley emphasizes the homophobia present in society.

Mentioned in this story

Charles BarkleyJason Collins

River / MEGA Following the loss of **Jason Collins** — the first openly gay NBA player who recently died at age 47 — **Charles Barkley** is claiming there are many other homosexual professional athletes. “Thirteen years ago it was a big deal,” **Kenny Smith** said of Collins coming out as gay on the May 2013 cover of *Sports Illustrated* during the Tuesday, May 12, episode of *NBA Tip-Off*. “The reason why it doesn’t feel as big now at times is because of people like [Collins].” “It would still be a big deal,” Barkley, 63, claimed. “We live in a homophobic society. Anybody who thinks 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,” the former Houston Rockets player added.

Mega In December 2025, the former New Jersey Nets star revealed he was diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma. He tragically died at his home in Los Angeles on May 12, 2026. Barkley — who played 16 years in the NBA before retiring in 2000 — previously defended the LGBTQ+ community after fans called for a boycott of Bud Light after the company partnered with influencer **Dylan Mulvaney**. “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 said during a July 2023 American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament, per Mediaite.

Q&A

What did Charles Barkley say about gay athletes in sports?

Charles Barkley stated that there are many gay athletes in all sports and criticized the homophobic attitudes that persist in society.

Who was Jason Collins and why is he significant in this context?

Jason Collins was the first openly gay NBA player, and his recent death prompted Barkley to discuss the presence of gay athletes in professional sports.

How did Barkley defend the LGBTQ+ community in the past?

Barkley previously defended the LGBTQ+ community by expressing support for gay and transgender individuals, criticizing those who oppose them.

Retired NBA Star Charles Barkley Claims ‘a Bunch’ of Professional Athletes Are Privately Gay

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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