Charles Barkley fights for relocation of NBA All-Star game

by Austin Stallings

Journalism Intern

Charles Barkley has taken a stand for the LGBT community by telling the NBA to pull its All Star Game out of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Barkley’s comments come amidst a firestorm of backlash over North Carolina’s anti- LGBT legislation. Barkley told CNN, “As a black person, I'm against any form of discrimination, against whites, Hispanics, gays, lesbians, however you want to phrase it,” the sports commentator said. “It's my job — with the position of power that I'm in and being able to be on television — I'm supposed to stand up for the people who can't stand up for themselves. So I think the NBA should move the All-Star game from Charlotte.”

Barkley has been an advocate in the NBA for the LGBT community.

After basketball player Jason Collins came out in 2013, Barkley said everyone playing in the NBA has "played with a gay teammate."

The NBA denounced the North Carolina legislation and has not yet made plans to move the All-Star Game venue.

The Gayly 4/07/16 @ 4:45 p.m