Charles Barkley dismisses ‘silly’ theory over gay – Sports News
Charles Barkley has claimed there are gay gamers in NBA and NFL (Image: NBAE by way of Getty Images)
NBA legend Charles Barkley addressed the legacy of the late Jason Collins on ESPN, delivering a highly effective message to America on Wednesday because the basketball group continues to grieve his current passing.
While reflecting on Collins’ legacy and death, Barkley additionally make clear the fact that many athletes nonetheless face behind closed locker room doorways. The former NBA heart handed away this week at age 47 following an eight-month battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma.
During ESPN’s “Inside the NBA,” the dialog kicked off with Kenny Smith reflecting on how groundbreaking Collins’ 2013 determination to publicly come out as gay felt on the time. Even former President Bill Clinton paid public tribute to him, describing Collins as “far more than a trailblazer” for the NBA. It comes after Charles Barkley in contrast Michael Jordan friendship to Royal Family rift
Smith argued that such an announcement would seemingly not carry the identical impression at this time, as society has steadily grown more accepting, largely due to the basis Collins established during his 13-year profession within the league and past.
Barkley famous that even when one other participant had been to handle his sexuality at this time, it might nonetheless be a vital second. He then laid out his sobering evaluation whereas wanting immediately into the digital camera.
Collins handed away at age 47 as a consequence of Stage 4 glioblastoma (Image: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
“Yeah, but Kenny, in fairness now, if another guy did it, it would still be a big deal,” Barkley responded. “Because we live in a homophobic society, and that’s unfortunate.
“Anybody who thinks we ain’t obtained a bunch of gay gamers in all sports activities, they’re simply silly,” Barkley said. “But there may be such animosity towards the gay group, and that is what’s actually unlucky.”
Research from Scholar Commons in 2023 suggested that between 8,000 and 80,000 NCAA athletes could have identified as LGBTQ+, while the 2026 Winter Olympics featured 45 LGBTQ+ athletes competing on the world stage.
Barkley highlighted the NFL, MLB, and NBA, noting that many athletes may still feel uncomfortable coming out publicly, despite Collins having broken barriers more than a decade ago.
The former Nets center made history when he publicly came out as gay in a 2013 Sports Illustrated essay. He further cemented his legacy by signing with Brooklyn in 2014, becoming the first openly gay male athlete to compete in one of North America’s four major professional leagues.
The NBA community spent Wednesday honoring both Collins’ basketball legacy and his broader cultural significance. Bill’s daughter, Chelsea, developed a 20-year friendship with Collins during their time together at Stanford University.
Collins carved out a 13-season NBA profession after being chosen 18th total within the 2001 draft. Throughout his profession, he represented the Nets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Hawks, Celtics, and Wizards, and was instrumental in serving to New Jersey secure back-to-back NBA Finals appearances.
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