"Yeah, but Kenny, in fairness now, if another guy did it, it would still be a big deal, Barkley contended, because we live in a homophobic society, and that's unfortunate. That's why first of all, anybody who thinks we ain't got a bunch of gay players in all sports, they're just stupid. But there is such animosity toward the gay community, and that's what's really unfortunate; but [if] anybody thinks him and I know a couple of other soccer players that came out if you think there are not more gay players in the NFL, Major League Baseball, and the NBA, you're just stupid."
"Collins made history in 2013 when he came out as the first openly gay athlete in any of the four major North American sports leagues. On Wednesday, the Inside the NBA crew paid tribute to Collins and his bold decision to come out 13 years earlier. Kenny Smith noted that, at the time, Collins's announcement was a big deal. Because it wouldn't be as big a deal today, he argued, showed that Collins helped to make society more accepting of the gay community."
"Collins, 47, died Tuesday after a months-long battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. The new of Collins's death was just part of the one of the darkest days in the NBA in recent memory. Hours earlier, it was announced that current Memphis Grizzlies player Brandon Clarke suddenly died the night before."
Jason Collins, the first openly gay athlete in one of the four major North American sports leagues, died at 47 after a months-long battle with glioblastoma. His death prompted tributes from the Inside the NBA crew, including discussion of how his 2013 coming out was once a major event. Kenny Smith suggested that the reduced shock today showed progress toward acceptance. Charles Barkley credited Collins with helping, but emphasized that homophobia still shapes society. Barkley argued that if another athlete came out today it would still be a big deal, and he criticized claims that there are not many gay players in sports such as the NFL, Major League Baseball, and the NBA. He also noted other athletes who have come out.
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