Charles Barkley says that athletes still can’t come out because of homophobia in professional sports

Charles Barkley used a moment of reflection to say what he thinks is still one of the most painful truths in sports. Barkley discussed how many gay athletes still don’t come out in public because they’re afraid of how society and the sports world will react during a tribute to the late NBA player Jason Collins on Wednesday’s show of “Inside the NBA.”

The talk happened just a few days after Collins’s death at age 47 from effects from Stage 4 glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer that he publicly described last year as being very aggressive. That year, Collins made history by becoming the first current player in the NBA, NFL, MLB, or NHL to say he was gay while still playing. Even though it’s been more than ten years, Barkley said that the culture around sexuality in sports has not fully changed.

“It would still be a big deal if another guy did it because we live in a homophobic society, which is sad,” Barkley said on TNT.

Furthermore, the Hall of Famer didn’t agree with the idea that there aren’t many openly gay athletes in major sports. “People who don’t think there are gay athletes in all sports are stupid,” he said. “But people are so mean to the gay community, and that’s what’s really sad.”

A lot of people in the basketball world sent condolences to Collins after he died. Loved ones said that he had an effect on people outside of court in a statement shared by his family.

The statement expressed, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Jason Collins, our cherished husband, son, brother, and uncle, following a courageous fight against glioblastoma.” “Jason changed people’s lives in ways they didn’t expect. He was an inspiration to everyone who knew him and to people who admired him from afar.”

Collins played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Atlanta Hawks, and the Washington Wizards during his 13-year NBA career. On May 25, 2025, he married his longtime boyfriend Brunson Green.