Charles Barkley said American society is still unfriendly toward gay people in the aftermath of the death of Jason Collins, the ex-Net who made history in 2013 by becoming the first active Big Four (MLB, NFL, NHL and NBA) athlete to announce he was gay.

Barkley believes there are more male athletes who are gay but unwilling to do so due to a “homophobic” mentality permeating society.

“If another guy did it, it would still be a big deal because we live in a homophobic society,” Barkley said Tuesday on ESPN after Collins died at the age of 47 after battling Stage 4 glioblastoma. “And that’s unfortunate. Anybody who think we ain’t got a bunch of gay players in all sports, they’re just stupid.

Inside The NBA: While discussing Jason Collins' passing, Charles Barkley: "We live in a homophobic society … anybody who think we ain't got a bunch of gay players in all sports, they're just stupid."

Via @ESPNNBA pic.twitter.com/TJMIPoytHE

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) May 14, 2026

“There is such animosity toward the gay community and that’s what really unfortunate. But anybody that think him coming — 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.”

Barkley, 63, and his “Inside the NBA” co-hosts touched on Collins’ legacy Tuesday night in a poignant segment after Collins died from brain cancer.

A little more than 13 years ago, Collins — then a free agent — made history when he wrote in the May 6, 2013 issue of Sports Illustrated: “I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay.”

He suited up for one final season the following year with the Nets to cap his 13-year career in which he appeared in 735 games and averaged 3.6 points.

Collins’ bravery has had a lasting effect, and eight years later then-Raider Carl Nassib became the first active player in NFL history to come out.

“You say 13 years ago, ‘Well, what’s the big deal somebody said that they’re open gay, what’s the big deal?'” Barkley’s co-host, Kenny Smith, said. “Well, 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. Kudos to him.”

Ernie Johnson, who runs point for the show, later complimented Collins.

“A guy who really through his words and through his actions has told us all, You don’t have to live in the shadows,” Johnson said. “He said, ‘Your life is so much better when you just show up as your true self.'”

Barkley has voiced support for members of the LGBTQ+ community over the years, including a notable exchange at a bar three years ago.

He reportedly pushed back against those protesting against Budweiser for using Dylan Mulvaney — a transgender woman — while at a Lake Tahoe bar.

“If you’re gay, God bless you. If you’re trans, God bless you. And if you have a problem with them, f–k you,” Barkley told the patrons, according to People.

He also said: “I’m gonna buy some drinks for y’all and I’m gonna buy Bud Light. Let me tell you something: All you rednecks or assholes who don’t want to drink Bud Light, f–k y’all. Hey, y’all can’t cancel me.”