Charles Barkley opens up about Jason Collins’ impact on gay NBA community and ‘unfortunate’ lack of progress

«Inside the NBA» took hold of ESPN’s airwaves ahead of the Eastern Conference semifinal Game 5 tilt between the Pistons and the Cavaliers.

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The mood on the program was a somber one. On Tuesday, Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in the NBA, died at the age of 47 after a battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma. He was the first active male athlete in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues to be openly gay.

Collins’ death racked the sports world with grief. Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Ernie Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal had their say on his impact during a candid discussion that displayed the best the program had to offer.

Here’s what you need to know.

MORE: Remembering Jason Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player

Charles Barkley opens up about Jason Collins’ impact on gay NBA community

The «Inside the NBA» crew discussed Collins’ impact on the NBA following his death. Barkley praised Collins for his bravery to come out publicly when he did, noting that he did so at a time when he was going to be subjected to scrutiny and vitriol for no reason other than his identity as a Black gay man.

«He was a shining example,» Barkley said. «‘Do you man.’ Anybody out there struggling with their sexuality, do you. Gay people have the right to do what they want to do, it’s nobody else’s business at all. For him to come out, it was great.»

«It was a terrible day for the NBA.»

The Inside the NBA crew pays their respects after the recent deaths of Jason Collins and Brandon Clarke. pic.twitter.com/Kcp9A20q0B

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 13, 2026

A 13-year veteran, Collins came out as gay on April 29, 2013, publishing a first-person essay detailing his sexual orientation in Sports Illustrated. He championed gay rights for the remainder of his life.

“I got to tell my own story, the way I wanted to. And now I can honestly say, the past 12 years since have been the best of my life,” Collins wrote in an essay for ESPN revealing his glioblastoma diagnosis. “Your life is so much better when you just show up as your true self, unafraid to be your true self, in public or private.”

Smith expressed optimism that Collins’ revelation had helped make sports a more progressive place.

MORE: What to know about Glenn Burke, MLB’s first gay player

“Thirteen years ago, it was a big deal,” Smith said. “And the reason why it doesn’t feel as big now at times is because of people like him.”

Barkley noted that it isn’t quite the case, pushing back on Smith’s point that it isn’t a «big deal» today. 

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“But Kenny, in fairness, now, if another guy did it, it would still be a big deal because we live in a homophobic society. And that’s unfortunate,” Barkley said. “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 anybody who think him, and I know a couple 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.”

The relevant portion of the Jason Collins discussion

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— CJ Fogler (@cjzero.bsky.social) May 13, 2026 at 7:56 PM

Barkley, who is Black, also noted that the Black community has struggled to offer protection to LGBTQ+ people.

«A lot of times, especially in the Black community, when you’re gay you get treated awful and that sucks too,» Barkley said. «But I was proud of him for coming out.»

Collins was certainly a maverick during and after his playing career. Barkley recognized him as such on «Inside the NBA.»As for the NBA, no active gay player has followed in Collins’ footsteps. By comparison, nine percent of the U.S. population identifies as openly LGBTQ+, per Gallup.

‘Inside the NBA’ crew pays tribute to Jason Collins, Brandon Clarke

Barkley, Smith, O’Neal and Johnson all had their say about the deaths of Collins and Brandon Clarke, the Grizzlies forward who passed away suddenly on Monday afternoon. The theme of their discussion was a somber one — Barkley decried drug use after reports that drug paraphernalia was found in the house where Clarke died.

“Obviously, I’m very sensitive on the drug situation and man, you guys got to stay away from that stuff,» Barkley said. «I know that’s easier said than done… It ain’t just about you, man. You got a family out there.»

MORE: Basketball world mourns Brandon Clarke’s sudden passing

O’Neal, meanwhile, shared memories of meeting Collins and his twin brother, Jarron, while they were in high school.

“We only live one lifetime, and you must always speak your truth. And he spoke his truth,» O’Neal said. «I’m proud of that. But overall, he was a great human being. Brother is a great human being, comes from a great family, and again, my condolences go out to the family.»

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