Charles Barkley used a moment of remembrance to call out what he believes remains one of sports’ most uncomfortable truths. During a tribute to late former NBA player Jason Collins on Wednesday’s episode of “Inside the NBA,” Barkley said many gay athletes still avoid coming out publicly because they fear how society and the sports world will respond.
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The conversation came days after Collins died at 47 following complications from Stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer he revealed publicly last year. Collins made history in 2013 when he became the first active player in the NBA, NFL, MLB, or NHL to come out as gay while still competing professionally. More than ten years later, Barkley suggested the environment around sexuality in sports still has not fully evolved.
“If another guy did it, it would still be a big deal because we live in a homophobic society, and that’s unfortunate,” Barkley said during the TNT broadcast.
The Hall of Famer also dismissed the idea that openly gay athletes are rare in professional sports. “Anybody who think we ain’t got a bunch of gay players in all sports, they’re just stupid,” he added. “But there is such animosity toward the gay community, and that’s what’s really unfortunate.”
Collins’ death sparked an outpouring of tributes across the basketball world. In a statement released by his family, loved ones described him as someone whose impact reached far beyond the court.
“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” the statement said. “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar.”
Over his 13-year NBA career, Collins played for several franchises, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, and Washington Wizards. He married longtime partner Brunson Green in 2025.
