Charles Barkley told the Washington Post that he had gay teammates during his career in the NBA, and that most athletes who play at the college or professional level have likely done the same.
Barkley argued that, despite media controversy surrounding the stigma of being a homosexual in the sporting world, playing with gay teammates was “no big deal.” In fact, as far as the former NBA star is concerned, athletics are no different than any other arena when it comes to discrimination against gay individuals.
“First of all, every player has played with gay guys,” Barkley explained. “It bothers me when I hear these reporters and jocks get on TV and say, ‘Oh, no guy can come out in a team sport. These guys would go crazy.’”
Barkley explained that he played with two or three gay teammates in the NBA and never considered their sexuality to be an issue on the court. He resents media commentary suggesting otherwise, and added that he would “rather have a gay guy who can play than a straight guy who can’t play.”
Charles Barkley concluded that he refuses to support discrimination of any kind, and added that he has been a long-time supporter of gay marriage.
