Basketball Legend Charles Barkley Doesn’t Hold Back: “Men Should Not Play Sports Against Women”
Basketball Hall of Famer and TNT analyst Charles Barkley is making it real clear where he stands with the whole debate surrounding transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. And let’s just say he’s not here for any sugarcoating.
While talking to Dan Dakich on OutKick’s Don’t @ Me Thursday (May 8), Barkley kept it 100 about how he feels when it comes to biological men participating in women’s sports.
This is a convo that’s been heating up since former President Donald Trump signed that executive order banning biological males from competing in women’s leagues earlier this year.
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“I’m gonna make this very simple for you, Dan. Men should not play sports against women,” Barkley said, clear and direct. “I’m not gonna get into all the bulls**t that’s going on out here in the world today.”
NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley didn’t hold back when sharing his opinion on transgender athletes.
“Men should not play sports against women…If anybody thinks that, I think they’re stupid.” pic.twitter.com/3R3AuqGeSV
— Brandon Tatum (@TheOfficerTatum) May 8, 2025
He doubled down without blinking:
“Men should not play sports against women. If anybody thinks that, I think they’re stupid,” he said. And to make sure folks don’t get it twisted, Barkley added, “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 Clarifies His Support For The LGBTQ+ Community While Standing Firm On His Sports Stance
Let’s be real—Barkley knew his comments would stir the pot, but he stood firm, saying he meant what he said and he’s not backing off.
“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 said.
And when Dan tried to offer another perspective, Barkley cut him off real quick:
“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.”
Now, let’s unpack the political side of all this. Back in January, Trump signed an executive order stating that any schools or sports organizations that allow biological males to compete in female sports could lose federal funding. The move reignited national debates and lawsuits across several states, leaving educators and student athletes scrambling to understand what’s actually enforceable.
The executive order specifically says that compliance is mandatory—if schools don’t align with it, they risk losing federal funding and could be subject to civil penalties. This has led to several legal challenges, especially from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups who argue it’s discriminatory and harmful.
Public Reaction Split: Barkley Praised By Some, Slammed By Others
Social media blew up after Barkley’s comments went viral. Some folks praised him for saying what they believe others are too scared to say.
Others dragged him, saying he’s being dismissive of transgender athletes’ rights and lived experiences.
One supporter tweeted, “Charles Barkley speaking truth! Nobody else wants to touch this topic, but he just said what everybody’s thinking.” Meanwhile, critics clapped back, saying, “Supporting the trans community means defending their right to exist and compete like everyone else. Charles Barkley missed the mark.”
And like always, Barkley ain’t shying away from the backlash. He’s letting it be known—he said what he said.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Barkley’s comments just added more fuel to an already controversial debate. But no matter where you stand on the issue, one thing is clear—this conversation isn’t going away any time soon.
With state legislation constantly shifting, athletes caught in the middle, and public opinion more divided than ever, it’s only going to get messier.
At the heart of it, though, this debate goes beyond sports. It’s about identity, fairness, and finding space where everyone feels seen and respected.
Charles Barkley Gives His Strong Take On Transgender Athletes Debate
Love him or hate him, Charles Barkley made his stance loud and clear: “Men should not play sports against women.”
