Charles Barkley gives an awesome interview to Mike Wise of the Washington Post, reacting to the news that Phoenix Suns President Rick Welts is gay. Barkley said he has played with gay players while he was in the NBA and their presence had zero negative impact. All he cared about was whether a guy could play or not.
“I really like ESPN,” Barkley added. “They do a great job. But like once every two or three months, they bring all these people on there, and they tell me how me and my team are going to respond to a gay guy.
“First of all, every player has played with gay guys. 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.’ First of all, quit telling me what I think. I’d rather have a gay guy who can play than a straight guy who can’t play.”
Barkley said that it was common for other players to gossip about who was gay, saying it was human nature, and adding that it was “them bible thumpers, who are supposed to be non-judgmental, who rail against them.”
He said that society, and not just sports, has discriminated against gays, and had this comeback to any player who expresses concern about having a gay teammate:
“Any professional athlete who gets on TV or radio and says he never played with a gay guy is a stone-freakin’ idiot,” Barkley said. “I would even say the same thing in college. Every college player, every pro player in any sport has probably played with a gay person.
Barkley’s message: Don’t worry. Deal with it.
“They’re not going to do anything in the locker room,” he said. “Doesn’t work like that.”
Barkley’s blunt language is a refreshing change from all the hand-wringing that often goes on around this issue. After covering this subject for a decade, Cyd and I agree that it would not be anywhere near as hard for a pro athlete to come out as is generally perceived, and it’s nice to have Sir Charles in our corner (and please read Wise’s entire column, which is excellent).
on May 17th, 2011 at 9:07 PM
Any further evidence needed that Barkley is the bomb? Talk about refreshing comments. This is the sort of thing that makes a HUGE difference. give it another decade and having openly gay players on team sports won’t even be an issue worth discussing.
on May 18th, 2011 at 2:51 AM
I love it when CBarkley gets fed and wants to talk some truthiness. Good for him
on May 18th, 2011 at 2:51 AM
I mean, “fed UP” lol
on May 18th, 2011 at 7:35 AM
Yep he is refreshing and he gets away with it because he can hit you back twice as hard.
Reminds me of anton the Swedish football player who is so matter of fact about being gay that it is so refreshing to not here someone whine about Jesus or being shunned because they felt dirty.
Only YOU can make your issues into a bigger thing then it is. People are always going to judge you whether you like it or not. You live with it or you twist yourself up inside.
on May 18th, 2011 at 10:26 AM
Nice to see Mike Wise write that. I wish every jock was as secure as Barkley is . Isn’t anyone going to speculate on who the gay players are? Or do we think Barkley is just a bit hyperbolic?
on May 18th, 2011 at 7:45 PM
Oh that is so cool. Thanks Charles. Does my straight ally heart good.
If more people were so ready to speak their mind, like him, we’d have a better world. Wouldn’t we? Love him
on Nov 19th, 2011 at 4:05 AM
When I was in the army, there was a guy that hated gays (he said).
One night we had been drinking and he was feeling good and I also.
When went to take a shower and guess what? He tried to suck me.
I will never know if he had looked like something, I might had allow it; I am too old now, so I will never Know.
I am telling this when a person is pointing a finger or making funny of another person, most likely it is a cover-up; do not trust that person in a show. Take from me, I know this as a fact.
Roger