Charles Barkley argued that more athletes don't 'come out' because America is a 'homophobic society' while honoring late NBA trailblazer Jason Collins on Inside the NBA
17:26 ET, 14 May 2026Updated 17:26 ET, 14 May 2026
Charles Barkley speaks during NBA action
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Charles Barkley says homophobia in American stops athletes from coming out(Image: NBAE via Getty Images)
NBA legend Charles Barkley discussed the legacy of the late Jason Collins on ESPN, delivering an impactful message to America on Wednesday as the basketball community continues to mourn his recent passing.
While discussing the legacy and death of Collins, Barkley also highlighted the reality that many other athletes still face behind closed locker room doors. The former NBA center died this week at age 47 following an eight-month battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma.
During ESPN's “Inside the NBA,” the discussion began with Kenny Smith reflecting on how groundbreaking Collins’ 2013 decision to come out publicly as gay felt at the time. Even former President Bill Clinton honored him publicly, identifying Collins as “far more than a trailblazer" for the NBA.
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Smith argued the announcement would likely not carry the same shock value today because society has gradually become more accepting, particularly due to the groundwork Collins laid during his 13-year tenure in the league and beyond.
Barkley pointed out that even if another player were to address his sexuality today, it would still be a big deal. He then broke down the grim reality of his estimation while looking straight into the camera.
"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."
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"Anybody who thinks we ain’t got a bunch of gay players in all sports, they’re just stupid," Barkley said. "But there is such animosity toward the gay community, and that’s what’s really unfortunate."
Scholar Commons studies from 2023 indicated that 8,000 to 80,000 NCAA athletes could have identified as LGBTQ+, while the 2026 Winter Olympics saw 45 LGBTQ+ athletes compete.
Barkley noted the NFL, MLB, and NBA, but said many athletes might still not feel comfortable coming out publicly, despite Collins breaking barriers over a decade ago.
Jason Collins suits up for the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden
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Collins passed away at age 47 due to Stage 4 glioblastoma(Image: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
The former Nets center shattered one of sports’ biggest barriers when he came out as gay in a 2013 Sports Illustrated essay. He cemented his place in history when he signed with Brooklyn in 2014 as the first openly gay male athlete to play in one of North America's four major pro leagues.
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The NBA community spent Wednesday remembering both Collins’ basketball career and his cultural impact. Bill's daughter, Chelsea, built a 20-year friendship with Collins during their shared time at Stanford University.
Collins spent 13 NBA seasons establishing himself in the league after being drafted 18th overall in 2001. He played for the Nets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Hawks, Celtics, and Wizards while helping New Jersey reach back-to-back NBA Finals appearances.