Charles Barkley says there is 'a bunch of gay players' in American sports but society is too 'homophobic' for them to come out

NBA icon Charles Barkley has alleged there is ‘a bunch of gay players’ in American sports but they would never come out because there would be too much ‘animosity’ towards them.

It comes after Jason Collins, who became the first active athlete in the ‘Big Four’ American sports leagues to come out as gay, died this week at 47 after a battle with brain cancer.

Collins famously became the NBA’s first openly gay player in 2014 when he re-joined the Nets after coming out of the closet as a free agent a year earlier.

His career was discussed at length by the ‘Inside the NBA’ team on Tuesday night and anchor Ernie Johnson described that decision as a ‘courageous move,’ leading co-hosts Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Barkley to agree.

Where they disagreed as the current state of tolerance among fans versus the one Collins faced in 2014. Barkley insisted the decision to do so remains difficult and important.

‘But Kenny, in fairness now, if another guy done did it, it would still be a big deal because we live in a homophobic society,’ Barkley said. ‘And that’s unfortunate.’

Jason Collins, the first NBA player to come out as gay, died from brain cancer earlier this week

Barkley also rejected the idea that there are only a few gay athletes.

‘First of all, anybody who think we ain’t got a bunch of gay players in all sports, they’re just stupid,’ Barkley continued.

‘But there is such animosity toward the gay community and that’s what’s really unfortunate.’

O’Neal also shared his condolences for the Collins family, whom he knew from his time with the Lakers. 

‘I’ve been knowing [Jason Collins and his twin brother Jarron] for a long time when I was playing in LA,’ O’Neal said. ‘I used to see him in high school. 

‘But we only live one lifetime,’ he continued. ‘And you must always speak your truth. And he spoke his truth and I have no problem with that.’

Collins died at the age of 47 after fighting Stage IV glioblastoma. 

He had been fighting the disease since November of 2025, leading the family to plan their holidays early as Collins sought more advanced treatment in different parts of the world. 

Collins became the first active athlete in the ‘Big Four’ American sports leagues to come out

Collins’ passing was confirmed in a statement released by the Collins family on Tuesday. 

‘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 read. 

‘Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. 

‘We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses.’