Charles Barkley says “yes” to marriage equality and “no” to discrimination

“I’d rather have a gay guy who can play than a straight guy who can’t play.” These are the words of an athlete who won eleven NBA All-Star Game appearances and was named the All-Star MVP in 1991.

“Sir Charles” also says, “I’ve been a big proponent of gay marriage for a long time, because as a black person, I can’t be in for any form of discrimination at all.”

ESPN reports that Barkley said he’s certain he played with gay teammates on two or three teams during his basketball career, but he never worried about awkward situations involving gay teammates, because “[It] doesn’t work like that.”

In 1993, he was voted the league’s Most Valuable Player and during the NBA’s 50th anniversary, named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. He competed in the 1992 and 1996 Olympic games and won two gold medals as a member of the United States’ Dream Team.

[via al.com]