Charles Barkley paid tribute to Jason Collins, the first openly gay NBA player, who died Tuesday, May 12, from an aggressive form of brain cancer. Collins was 47.
Barkley criticized America for being “a homophobic society” and insisted there are “a bunch of gay players” in the NBA, MLB and NFL who haven’t come out yet.
The NBA legend said anyone who still believes there are no gay players in professional sports are “stupid.”
During Tuesday’s episode of “NBA Tip-Off,” co-hosts Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley paid tribute to the 7-foot center who played for 13 seasons in the NBA.
“13 years ago it was a big deal,” said Kenny Smith. “The reason why it doesn’t feel as big now, at times, is because of people like [Collins].”
Charles Barkley disagreed: “If another guy [came out], it would still be a big deal because we live in a homophobic society,” he said. “Anybody who think we ain’t got a bunch of gay [male] players in all sports, they’re just stupid.”
“But there is such an animosity towards the gay community, and that’s what’s really unfortunate,” Charles continued.
Ernie Johnson urged gay athletes to come out of the closet: “You don’t have to live in the shadows. Your life is so much better when you just show up as your true self.”
Collins came out as gay in the May 6, 2013 issue of Sports Illustrated. He made headlines all over the world. Fellow NBA star Kobe Bryant praised his decision, and former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama did too.
The sports media and the LGBTQ+ community waited for other pro athletes to follow in Collins’ footsteps. But none did. The WNBA is the only professional sports league in America whose players are openly gay.
Inside The NBA: While discussing Jason Collins' passing, Charles Barkley: "We live in a homophobic society … anybody who think we ain't got a bunch of gay players in all sports, they're just stupid."
Via @ESPNNBA pic.twitter.com/TJMIPoytHE
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) May 14, 2026