NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley is known for speaking his mind, and his latest comments on the ongoing debate around transgender athletes in sports are no exception.
During a recent appearance on Outkick’s “Don’t @ Me” with Dan Dakich, Barkley gave a blunt response to those who support allowing biological males to compete against females in organized sports.
“I’m gonna make this very simple for you, Dan. Men should not play sports against women,” Barkley said emphatically. “I’m not gonna get into all the bulls**t that’s going on out here in the world today.”
At 62 years old, Barkley has never been one to sugarcoat his opinions, and his stance on this controversial issue is unwavering.
His comments come as state and federal governments, athletic institutions, and professional sports leagues grapple with how to approach gender identity, fairness, and safety in competition.
“Men should not play sports against women. If anybody thinks that, I think they’re stupid,” he continued. “I support the gay community 100%. I support the transgender community 100%. But I do not, under any circumstances… think that men should play sports against women.”
Barkley’s viewpoint is immovable
Barkley‘s position aligns with recent policy moves at the federal level. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order barring biological males from participating in women’s sports in educational settings, threatening institutions with the loss of federal funding if they didn’t comply.
Shortly thereafter, the NCAA updated its eligibility requirements to prohibit biological males from competing in women’s sports altogether.
Despite the backlash he may face, Barkley made it clear that his viewpoint is immovable.
“If anybody has a problem with that, they’re gonna have to get over it because I’m not gonna change my [mind]. I just think it’s wrong, period,” he noted.
“I don’t even think that’s controversial… I don’t wanna hear you try to explain it to me. No, no, no, I don’t wanna hear it. I’m not gonna argue with you. Men shouldn’t play sports against women. I’m done.”
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