Famous NBA player says there's 'a bunch of gay players'

"“We live in a homophobic society,” Barkley continued. “Anybody who thinks we ain't got a bunch of gay players in all sports, they're just stupid.” “There is such an animosity towards the gay community,” Barkley also added."

"“13 years ago it was a big deal. The reason why it doesn't feel as big now at times is because of people like him.” Barkley interjected to share his thoughts that an NBA player coming out would “still be a big deal”."

"Commenter Ernie Johnson also shared that Collins valiantly used his platform to tell the world “you don't have to live in the shadows.” “He said 'your life is so much better when you just show up as your true self,'” Johnson said."

"Collins started his career with the New Jersey Nets in 2001 and his career saw him go on to play with Memphis, Minnesota, Atlanta, Boston, Washington. Then, he returned to the Nets after they moved to Brooklyn. When Collins signed with the Nets in 2014, after coming out, he became the first publicly gay athlete to play in any of the four major North American pro sports leagues."

Jason Collins, the first openly gay NBA player, died at age 47. Charles Barkley called Collins a trailblazer and said an NBA player coming out would still be a big deal. Barkley stated that society is homophobic and that many gay players exist across sports. He added that animosity toward the gay community persists. Kenny Smith said Collins helped make coming out feel less like a major event over time. Ernie Johnson said Collins used his platform to tell people they do not have to live in the shadows and that life improves when showing up as a true self. Collins played for multiple teams, signed with the Nets in 2014, and retired the same year.

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