Charles Barkley: I had gay teammates

[Renew Deal]

Hall of Famer Charles Barkley is certain he played with gay teammates on two or three teams during his basketball career -- and says it didn't bother him a bit.

"I didn't think it ... they were gay," Barkley told WJFK Radio in Washington.

Barkley dismissed commentary suggesting male athletes are homophobic and the locker rooms of major men's professional sports are still not ready for an openly gay teammate. He said he never felt threatened or hit-on in the locker room and was never bothered by the presence of gay teammates.

"First of all, every player has played with gay guys," Barkley told the station, adding that any player who says he hasn't is "a stone-freakin' idiot."

"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.
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More at: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=6563128

[izquierdista]

1. And you didn't die??????

This will come as shocking news to some.

[blondeatlast]

2. I'm reasonably certain he did--and good for him for speaking out. nt

[ceile]

3. Is Sir Charles still thinking of running for office?

I'd vote for him.

[RKP5637]

4. And 'the gay' wasn't contagious. n/t

[yodermon]

5. Ventura/Barkley

that's the ticket :rofl:

[kentuck]

6. Dennis Rodman is gay?!

Who could have known? :-)

[craigmatic]

7. He's right.