Charles Barkley And Shaquille O'Neal Share Candid Thoughts Following Deaths Of Two NBA Players: 'I Hate The Way This Story Ended'

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: ESPN The NBA playoffs have a dark cloud hanging over them as the league mourns the loss of two impactful players from the league's past and present. Jason Collins and Brandon Clarke passed away, and Inside the NBA 's Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal got candid about what these losses meant both for them and the league.

ESPN reported that Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, died of brain cancer at 47 on Tuesday. The same day, AP News and others reported Clarke's death, after the 29-year-old forward for the Memphis Grizzlies was found at his home on Monday. The former athletes had a lot to say about both and spoke to their connection to both.

Credit: NBA What Charles Barkley And Shaq Had To Say About Jason Collins' Death Charles Barkley may be known for some of his wild statements and disparaging comments about San Antonio , but he has a solid track record as an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. Speaking specifically to Jason Collins' death during Inside the NBA , he talked about the impact Collins' coming out had on the league, and the bravery it took for him to be the first: When he came out, man, I thought it was amazing to put himself under the microscope and the scrutiny and the hatred and the vitriol that was going to happen. I hate the way this story ended because he was a shining example of ‘Do you, man.

' Anybody out there who’s struggling with their sexuality, do you. Gay people have the right to do what they want to do. It’s nobody else’s business at all.