Charles Wade Barkley (born February 20, 1963) is an American former professionalbasketball player who is a television analyst onTNT Sports andCBS Sports. Nicknamed "Sir Charles", "The Chuckster", and "the Round Mound of Rebound", among others, Barkley played 16 seasons in theNational Basketball Association (NBA). Though shorter than the typicalpower forward, he used his strength and aggression to become one of the NBA's bestrebounders and scorers. Barkley was an 11-timeNBA All-Star, 11-time member of theAll-NBA Team, and the 1993NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP). He was named to theNBA's 50th and75th anniversary teams.
AnAll-American atAuburn University, Barkley was drafted as a junior by thePhiladelphia 76ers with the fifth pick of the1984 NBA draft. In his rookie season, Barkley was named to theAll-Rookie First Team in1985. In the1986–87 season, Barkley led the league in rebounding average and earned his firstrebounding title. He was named theAll-Star Game MVP in1991, and in 1993 with thePhoenix Suns, he was voted the league's MVP while leading the team to theNBA Finals. He also competed in the1992 and1996 Olympic Games, winning two gold medals as a member of theU.S. national team. In 2000, Barkley retired as the fourth player in NBA history to achieve 20,000points, 10,000 rebounds, and 4,000assists.[3][a] Barkley is a two-time inductee into theNaismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, inducted in 2006 for his individual career and in 2010 as a member of the 1992 Olympic "Dream Team".[5][6]
Barkley was popular with the fans and media and made the NBA's All-Interview Team for his last 13 seasons in the league.[7] He was frequently involved in on- and off-court fights and sometimes stirred national controversy, such as in March 1991 when he spat on a young girl while attempting to spit at a heckler,[8] and 1993 when he declared that sports figures should not be considered role models.[9] Since retiring as a player, Barkley has had a successful career as an NBA analyst. He works for TNT Sports onInside the NBA alongsideShaquille O'Neal,Kenny Smith, andErnie Johnson as a studio pundit (for which he has won fiveSports Emmy Awards).[10] In addition, Barkley has written several books,[11][12][13][14] and has shown an interest in politics.[15][16]
Barkley was born inLeeds, Alabama, 17 miles (27 km) east ofBirmingham and grew up there. He was the first black baby born at a segregated, all-white town hospital and was in the first group of black students at his elementary school.[17] His parents divorced when he was young after his father abandoned the family, which included younger brother Darryl Barkley. His mother remarried and they had a son, John Glenn. Another brother, Rennie, died in infancy. His stepfather was killed in an accident when Charles was 11 years old.[18]
Barkley attendedLeeds High School. As a junior, he stood 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) and weighed 220 pounds (100 kg). He failed to make thevarsity team and was named as a reserve. However, during the summer Barkley grew to 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) and earned a starting position on the varsity as a senior. He averaged 19.1 points and 17.9 rebounds per game and led his team to a 26–3 record en route to the state semi-finals.[19] Despite his improvement, Barkley received no attention from college scouts until the state high school semi-finals, where he scored 26 points against Alabama's most highly recruited player,Bobby Lee Hurt.[19] An assistant toAuburn University's head coach,Sonny Smith, was at the game and reported seeing, "a fat guy... who can play like the wind".[20] Barkley was soon recruited by Smith andmajored inbusiness management while attending Auburn University.[19]
Barkley playedcollegiate basketball for theAuburn Tigers for three seasons. Although he struggled to control his weight, he excelled as a player and led the SEC in rebounding each year.[7] He became a popular crowd-pleaser, exciting the fans withdunks andblocked shots that belied his lack of height and overweight frame. It was not uncommon to see the hefty Barkley grab a defensive rebound and, instead of passing,dribble the entire length of the court and finish at the opposite end with a two-handed dunk. His physical size and skills ultimately earned him the nickname "The Round Mound of Rebound" and the "Crisco Kid".[10]
During his college career, Barkley playedcenter, despite being shorter than the average center. His height, officially listed as 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m), is stated as 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) in his book,I May Be Wrong but I Doubt It. He became a member of Auburn's All-Century team and still holds the Auburn record for career field goal percentage with 62.6%.[21] He received numerous awards, includingSoutheastern Conference (SEC)Player of the Year (1984), three All-SEC selections and one Second TeamAll-American selection.[22] Later, Barkley was named the SEC Player of the Decade for the 1980s by theBirmingham Post-Herald.[21]
In Barkley's three-year college career, he averaged 14.1 points on 62.6%field goal shooting, 9.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game.[21] In1984, he led the Tigers to their firstNCAA tournament in school history and finished with 23 points on 80% field goal shooting, 17 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks.[23] Auburn retired Barkley's No. 34 jersey on March 3, 2001.[21]
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He was one of 74 college players invited to the spring tryouts for the1984 U.S. Olympic team coached byBob Knight.[24][25] Barkley made the initial cut in April to the final 20, but was one of four released in May (withJohn Stockton,Terry Porter, andMaurice Martin) in the penultimate cut to 16 players.[26][27] In 2010, Barkley admitted that he asked for and had been given, money from sports agents during his career at Auburn. Barkley called the sums he had requested from agents "chump change", and went on to say, "Why can't an agent lend me some money and I'll pay him back when I graduate?" According to Barkley, he paid back all of the money he had borrowed after signing his first NBA contract.[28]
Barkley left before his final year at Auburn and made himself eligible for the1984 NBA draft. He was selected with the fifth pick in the first round by thePhiladelphia 76ers, two slots after theChicago Bulls draftedMichael Jordan. He joined a veteran team that includedJulius Erving,Moses Malone, andMaurice Cheeks, players who had taken Philadelphia to the1983 NBA championship. Under the tutelage of Malone, Barkley was able to manage his weight and learned to prepare and condition himself properly for a game; Barkley cited Malone as the most influential player of his career, and he often referred to him as "Dad".[29] He averaged 14.0 points and 8.6 rebounds per game during the regular season and earned a berth on the All-Rookie Team.[3] Inthe postseason, the Sixers advanced to theEastern Conference Finals but were defeated in five games by theBoston Celtics.[30] As a rookie in the postseason, Barkley averaged 14.9 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.[7]
During hissecond year, Barkley improved his game under the leadership ofMoses Malone during the off-season with his workouts, in the process he became the team's leading rebounder and number two scorer, averaging 20.0 points and 12.8 rebounds per game.[3] He became the Sixers' starting power forward and helped lead his team intothe playoffs, averaging 25.0 points on .578 shooting from the field and 15.8 rebounds per game.[3] Despite his efforts, Philadelphia was defeated 4–3 by theMilwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. He was named to theAll-NBA Second Team.[7]
Before the1986–87 season, Moses Malone was traded to theWashington Bullets and Barkley began to assume control as the team leader. On November 4, 1986, Barkley recorded 34 points, 10 rebounds, and a career-high 14 assists in a 125–121 loss to theIndiana Pacers.[31] On March 20, 1987, Barkley recorded 26 points, 25 rebounds (including a career-high-tying 16 offensive rebounds), and nine assists in a 116–106 win over theDenver Nuggets.[32] He earned his first and only rebounding title, averaging 14.6 rebounds per game, and also led the league in offensive rebounds with 5.7 per game.[3] He averaged 23.0 points on .594 shooting,[3] earning his first trip to anNBA All-Star game and All-NBA Second Team honors for the second straight season. Inthe playoffs, Barkley averaged 24.6 points and 12.6 rebounds in a losing effort,[33] for the second straight year, to the Bucks in a five-game first-round playoff series.[34]
Thenext season, Julius Erving announced his retirement and Barkley became the Sixers'franchise player.[7] On November 30, 1988, Barkley recorded 41 points, 22 rebounds, five assists, and six steals in a 114–106 win over the Blazers. Playing in 80 games and getting 300 more minutes than his nearest teammate, Barkley had his most productive season, averaging 28.3 points on .587 shooting and 11.9 rebounds per game.[3] He appeared in his second All-Star Game and was named to the All-NBA First Team for the first time in his career. His celebrity status as the Sixers' franchise player led to his first appearance on the cover ofSports Illustrated.[7] For the first time since the1974–75 season, however, the 76ers failed to makethe playoffs.[7] In the1988–89 season, Barkley continued to play well, averaging 25.8 points on .579 shooting and 12.5 rebounds per game.[3] He earned his third straight All-Star Game appearance and was named to the All-NBA First team for the second straight season.[10] Despite Barkley contributing 27.0 points on .644 shooting, 11.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game,[33] the 76ers were swept in the first round ofthe playoffs by theNew York Knicks.[35]
During the1989–90 season, despite receiving more first-place votes,[36] Barkley finished second inMVP voting behind theLos Angeles Lakers'Magic Johnson.[37] He was named Player of the Year byThe Sporting News andBasketball Weekly.[7] He averaged 25.2 points and 11.5 rebounds per game and a career-high .600 shooting.[3] He was named to the All-NBA First Team for the third consecutive year and earned his fourth All-Star selection.[10] He helped Philadelphia win 53 regular-season games, only to lose to theChicago Bulls in a five-game Eastern Conference Semi-finals series.[38] Barkley averaged 24.7 points and 15.5 rebounds in anotherpostseason loss.[33] His exceptional play continued into hisseventh season, where he averaged 27.6 points on .570 shooting and 10.1 rebounds per game.[3] His fifth straight All-Star Game appearance proved to be his best yet. He led the East to a 116–114 win over theWest with 17 points and 22 rebounds, the most rebounds in an All-Star Game sinceWilt Chamberlain recorded 22 in1967.[7] Barkley was presented with Most Valuable Player honors at the All-Star Game and, at the end of the season, named to the All-NBA First Team for the fourth straight year.[7] That year, when theNew York Times asked theSan Antonio Spurs centerDavid Robinson if he would choose Barkley or Jordan for his side in a hypothetical pickup game, Robinson said, "I would pick Barkley. When he is on his game, I think he has the biggest impact ever."[39] Inthe playoffs, Philadelphia lost again to Jordan'sChicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals, with Barkley contributing 24.9 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.[33]
The1991–92 season was Barkley's final year in Philadelphia. In his last season, he wore number 32 instead of his 34 to honorMagic Johnson,[40] who had announced prior to the start of the season that he was HIV-positive. Although the 76ers had initially retired the number 32 in honor ofBilly Cunningham, it was unretired, with Cunningham's approval, for Barkley to wear. After Johnson's announcement, Barkley apologized for having made light of his condition. Responding to concerns that players may contract HIV by contact with Johnson, Barkley expressed his opinion, "We're just playing basketball. It's not like we're going out to have unprotected sex with Magic."[41]
In his final season with the Sixers, averaging 23.1 points on .552 shooting and 11.1 rebounds per game,[3] Barkley earned his sixth straight All-Star appearance and was named to the All-NBA Second Team, his seventh straight appearance on either the first or second team. He ended his 76ers career ranked fourth in team history in total points (14,184), third in scoring average (23.3 ppg), third in rebounds (7,079), eighth in assists (2,276) and second in field-goal percentage (.576).[7] He led Philadelphia in rebounding and field-goal percentage for seven consecutive seasons and in scoring for six straight years.[3] However, Barkley was said to have demanded a trade out of Philadelphia after the Sixers failed to make the postseason with a 35–47 record. That was later refuted by Charles Barkley himself, who said that he had not demanded a trade, but was not happy and wanted out. Rather than wait until his contract ran out and lose their superstar for nothing, the 76ers traded him.[10][42] Barkley was initially traded to theLos Angeles Lakers before the end of the season, but the 76ers wound up retracting their deal a few hours later.[43] On July 17, 1992, he was officially traded to thePhoenix Suns in exchange forJeff Hornacek,Tim Perry, andAndrew Lang.[10]
During Barkley's eight seasons in Philadelphia, he became a household name and was one of the few NBA players to have an action figure produced byKenner'sStarting Lineup toy line. He also had his own signature shoe line withNike. His outspoken and aggressive play, however, resulted in some on-court incidents, notoriously a fight withDetroit Pistons centerBill Laimbeer in 1990, which drew a record total $162,500 fine.[44]
On March 26, 1991, during a game versus theNew Jersey Nets, Barkley attempted to spit on a fan who was allegedly heckling him with racial slurs, but the result was that his spit hit a young girl.[45][46]Rod Thorn, the NBA's president of operations at the time, suspended Barkley, without pay, for one game and fined him $10,000 for spitting and for verbally abusing the fan.[47] It became a national story, and Barkley was vilified for it.[46] Barkley, however, eventually developed a friendship with the girl and her family.[10] He apologized and, among other things, provided them with tickets to future games.[48]
After retirement, Barkley was later quoted saying in regard to his career, "I was fairly controversial, I guess, but I regret only one thing–the spitting incident. But you know what? It taught me a valuable lesson. It taught me that I was getting way too intense during the game. It let me know I wanted to win way too bad. I had to calm down. I wanted to win at all costs. Instead of playing the game the right way and respecting the game, I only thought about winning."[49]
The trade to Phoenix in the1992–93 season went well for both Barkley and the Suns. Suns playerNegele Knight already wore No. 32, so Barkley reverted his jersey number back to 34.[50] In his first game with the Suns, Barkley almost recorded a triple-double, racking up 37 points, 21 rebounds (12 of them offensive), and 8 assists in a 111–105 victory over theLos Angeles Clippers.[51] He averaged 25.6 points on .520 shooting, 12.2 rebounds and a career-high 5.1 assists per game,[3] leading the Suns to an NBA-best 62–20 record.[52] For his efforts, Barkley won the league's Most Valuable Player Award,[53] and was selected to play in his seventh straight All-Star Game. He became the third player ever to win league MVP honors in the season immediately after being traded, established multiple career highs and led Phoenix to their firstNBA Finals appearance since1976.[7] Despite Barkley's proclamation to Jordan that it was "destiny" for the Suns to win the title, they were defeated in six games by theChicago Bulls.[54] He averaged 26.6 points and 13.6 rebounds per game during the whole postseason,[33] including 27.3 points, 13.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game in the championship series.[55] In the fourth game of the Finals, Barkley recorded atriple-double, collecting 32 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.[56]
As a result of severe back pains, Barkley began to speculate that the1993–94 season would be his last in Phoenix.[7] Despite the back pain, he started the season by winning the1993 McDonald's Open in Germany and being named the tournaments MVP.[57] In the NBA, Barkley managed 21.6 points on .495 shooting and 11.2 rebounds per game.[3] He was selected to his eighth consecutive All-Star Game, but did not play because of a torn rightquadriceps tendon,[7] and was named to the All-NBA Second Team. With Barkley fighting injuries, the Suns still managed a 56–26 record and made it to the Western Conference Semifinals. Despite holding a 2–0 lead in the series,[58] the Suns lost in seven games to the eventual champions, theHouston Rockets, who were led byHakeem Olajuwon.[58] Despite his injuries, in Game 3 of a first-round playoff series against theGolden State Warriors, Barkley hit 23 of 31 field-goal attempts and finished with 56 points, the then-third-highest total ever in a playoff game.[7][33] After contemplating retirement in the off-season,[7] Barkley returned for hiseleventh season and continued to battle injuries.[10] He struggled during the first half of the season,[7] but gradually managed to improve, earning his ninth consecutive appearance in the All-Star Game. He averaged 23 points on .486 shooting and 11.1 rebounds per game,[3] while leading the Suns to a 59–23 record.[59] Inthe playoffs, despite having a 3–1 lead in the series,[59] the Suns once again lost to the defending and eventual two-time championHouston Rockets in seven games.[59] Barkley averaged 25.7 points on .500 shooting and 13.4 rebounds per game in the postseason,[33] but was limited in Game 7 of the semi-finals by a leg injury.[7]
The1995–96 season was Barkley's last with the Phoenix Suns. He led the team in scoring, rebounds and steals, averaging 23.3 points on .500 shooting, 11.6 rebounds and a career high .777 free throw shooting.[3] He earned his tenth appearance in an All-Star Game as the top vote-getter among Western Conference players and posted his 18th career triple-double on November 22.[33] He also became just the tenth player in NBA history to reach 20,000 points and 10,000 rebounds in their career.[7][3] In the postseason, Barkley averaged 25.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game in a four-game first round playoff loss to theSan Antonio Spurs.[33][60] After the Suns closed out the season with a 41–41 record and a first-round playoff loss, Barkley was traded to Houston in exchange forSam Cassell,Robert Horry,Mark Bryant, andChucky Brown.[61]
During his career with the Suns, Barkley excelled, earning All-NBA and All-Star honors in each of his four seasons.[62]
Throughout his career, Barkley argued that athletes should not be considered role models.[10] He said, "A million guys can dunk a basketball in jail; should they be role models?"[63] In 1993, his argument prompted national news when he wrote the text for his "I am not a role model" Nike commercial.Dan Quayle, the former Vice President of the United States, called it a "family-values message" for Barkley's oft-ignored call for parents and teachers to quit looking to him to "raise your kids" and instead be role models themselves.[62]
Barkley's message sparked a great public debate about the nature of role models. He argued:
I think the media demands that athletes be role models because there's some jealousy involved. It's as if they say, this is a young black kid playing a game for a living and making all this money, so we're going to make it tough on him. And what they're really doing is telling kids to look up to someone they can't become, because not many people can be like we are. Kids can't be like Michael Jordan.[62]
The trade to theHouston Rockets in the1996–97 season was Barkley's last chance at capturing an NBA championship title. He joined a veteran team that included two of theNBA's 50 Greatest Players,Hakeem Olajuwon andClyde Drexler. To begin the season, Barkley was suspended for the season opener and fined $5,000 for fightingCharles Oakley during an October 25, 1996 preseason game. After Oakley committed a flagrant foul on Barkley, Barkley responded by shoving Oakley.[64] In his first game with the Houston Rockets, Barkley had a career-high 33 rebounds.[65] He continued to battle injuries throughout the season and played only 53 games, missing 14 because of alaceration and bruise on his left pelvis, 11 because of a sprained right ankle, and four due to suspensions.[7] He became the team's second-leading scorer, averaging 19.2 points on .484 shooting;[3] the first time since his rookie year that he averaged below 20 points per game. With Olajuwon taking most of the shots, Barkley focused primarily on rebounding, averaging 13.5 per game, the second-best in his career.[3] The Rockets ended the regular season with a 57–25 record and advanced to the Western Conference Finals, where they were defeated in six games by theUtah Jazz.[7] Barkley averaged 17.9 points and 12.0 rebounds per game inanother postseason loss.[66]
The1997–98 season was another injury-plagued year for Barkley. He averaged 15.2 points on .485 shooting and 11.7 rebounds per game.[3] The Rockets ended the season with a 41–41 record and were eliminated in five games by theUtah Jazz in the first round ofthe playoffs. Limited by injuries, Barkley played four games in the series and averaged career lows of 9.0 points and 5.3 rebounds in 21.8 minutes per game.[33] During thelockout-shortened season, Barkley played 42 regular-season games and managed 16.1 points on .478 shooting and 12.3 rebounds per game.[3] He became the second player in NBA history, following Wilt Chamberlain, to accumulate 23,000 points, 12,000 rebounds and 4,000 assists in his career.[7] The Rockets concluded the shortened season with a 31–19 record and advanced tothe playoffs.[67] In his last postseason appearance, Barkley averaged 23.5 points on .529 shooting and 13.8 rebounds per game in a first-round playoff loss to theLos Angeles Lakers.[33] He concluded his postseason career averaging 23 points on .513 shooting, 12.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game in 123 games.[68]
The1999–2000 season was Barkley's final year in the NBA. Initially, Barkley averaged 14.5 points on .477 shooting and 10.5 rebounds per game.[3] Along withShaquille O'Neal, Barkley was ejected from a November 10, 1999 game against theLos Angeles Lakers. After O'Neal blocked a layup by Barkley, O'Neal shoved Barkley, who then threw the ball at O'Neal.[69] Barkley's season and career seemingly ended prematurely at the age of 36 after rupturing his left quadriceps tendon on December 8, 1999, in Philadelphia, where his career began.[70] Refusing to allow his injury to be the last image of his career, Barkley returned after four months for one final game. On April 19, 2000, in a home game against theVancouver Grizzlies, Barkley scored a memorable basket on an offensive rebound andputback, a common trademark during his career. He accomplished what he set out to do after being activated from the injured list, and walked off the court to a standing ovation.[71] He stated, "I can't explain what tonight meant. I did it for me. I've won and lost a lot of games, but the last memory I had was being carried off the court. I couldn't get over the mental block of being carried off the court. It was important psychologically to walk off the court on my own."[71] After the basket, Barkley immediately retired and concluded his sixteen-year Hall of Fame career.[72]
Barkley was invited byBob Knight to try out forUnited States men's basketball team for the1984 Summer Olympics. He made it all the way to final cuts, but was not selected for the team, despite outplaying almost all of the front-court players there. According to Knight, Barkley was cut because of poor defense.[73]
Barkley competed in the1992 and1996Olympic Games and won twogold medals as a member of theUnited States men's basketball team. International rules that previously prevented NBA players from playing in the Olympics were changed in 1992, allowing Barkley and fellow NBA players to compete in the Olympics for the first time. The team was nicknamed the "Dream Team" and went 6–0 in the Olympic qualifying tournament and 8–0 against Olympic opponents. The team averaged an Olympic record 117.3 points a game and won games by an average of 43.8 points, only surpassed by the1956 U.S. Olympic team.[74] Barkley led the team with 18.0 points on 71.1% field goal shooting and set a then-Olympic single-game scoring record with 30 points in a 127–83 victory over Brazil.[74] He also set a U.S. Men's Olympic record for highest three-point field goal percentage with 87.5% and added 4.1 rebounds and 2.6 steals per game.[75] During the game versusAngola, Barkley elbowedHerlander Coimbra in the chest and was unapologetic after the game, claiming he was hit first. Barkley was called for an intentional foul on the play. Coimbra's resulting free throw was the only point scored by Angola during a 46–1 run by the U.S.[76]
At the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games, Barkley led theteam in scoring, rebounds, and field goal percentage. He averaged 12.4 points on 81.6% field goal shooting, setting a U.S. Men's Olympic record.[75] In addition, he also contributed 6.6 rebounds per game. Under Barkley's leadership, the team once again compiled a perfect 8–0 record and captured gold medal.[77]
Barkley played thepower forward position, but occasionally playedsmall forward andcenter. He was known for his unusual build as a basketball player, stockier than most small forwards, yet shorter than most power forwards he faced. However, Barkley was still capable of outplaying both taller and quicker opponents because of his unusual combination of strength and agility.[7]
Barkley was a prolific scorer who averaged 22.1 points per game during the regular season for his career and 23.0 points per game in the playoffs for his career. Barkley was an incredibly efficient offensive force, leading the NBA in 2-point field goal percentage every season from the 1986–87 season to the 1990–91 season. He led the league in effective field goal percentage in both the 1986–87 and 1987–88 seasons as well, and also led the league in offensive rating in both the 1988–89 and 1989–90 seasons.[33] He was one of the NBA's most versatile players and accurate scorers capable of scoring from anywhere on the court and established himself as one of the NBA's premierclutch players.[7] During his NBA career, Barkley was a constant mismatch because he possessed a very uncommon combination of skills and could play in a variety of positions. He would use all facets of his game in a single play; as a scorer, he had the ability to score from the perimeter and the post, using an array of spin moves andfadeaways, or finishing a fast break with a powerful dunk. He was one of the most efficient scorers of all time, scoring at 54.13% totalfield goal percentage for his season career and 51.34% total field goal shooting for his playoff career (including a career-high season average of 60% during the1989–90 NBA season).[33]
Barkley is the shortest player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounding when he averaged a career-high 14.6 rebounds per game during the1986–87 season.[78] His tenacious and aggressive form of play built into an undersized frame that fluctuated between 284 pounds (129 kg) and 252 pounds (114 kg) helped cement his legacy as one of the greatest rebounders in NBA history, averaging 11.7 rebounds per game in the regular season for his career and 12.9 rebounds per game in his playoff career and totaling 12,546 rebounds for his season career.[33] Barkley topped the NBA in offensive rebounding for three straight years[10] and was most famous among very few power forwards who could control a defensive rebound, dribble the length of the court and finish at the rim with a powerful dunk.[78]
Barkley also possessed considerable defensive talents led by an aggressive demeanor, foot speed and his capacity to read the floor to anticipate for steals, a reason why he established his career as the second All-Time leader in steals for the power forward position[79] and leader of the highest all-time steal per game average for the power forward position.[79] Despite being undersized for both the small forward and power forward positions, he also finished among the all-time leaders in blocked shots.[80] His speed and leaping ability made him one of the few power forwards capable of running down court to block a faster player with achase-down block.[78]
In aSLAM magazine issue ranking NBA greats, Barkley was ranked among the top 20 players of All-Time. In the magazine, NBA Hall-of-FamerBill Walton commented on Barkley's ability. Walton said, "Barkley is likeMagic [Johnson] andLarry [Bird] in that they don't really play a position. He plays everything; he plays basketball. There is nobody who does what Barkley does. He's a dominant rebounder, a dominant defensive player, a three-point shooter, a dribbler, a playmaker."[10]
During his 16-year NBA career, Barkley was regarded as one of the most controversial, outspoken, and dominating players in the history of basketball. His impact on the sport went beyond his rebounding titles, assists, scoring and physical play.[48] His confrontational mannerisms often led totechnical fouls and fines on the court, and his larger than life persona sometimes gave rise to national controversy off of it, such as when he was featured in ads that rejected pro athletes asrole models and declared, "I am not a role model."[81] Although his words often led to controversy, according to Barkley his mouth was never the cause because it always spoke the truth.[48] He said, "I don't create controversies. They're there long before I open my mouth. I just bring them to your attention."[10]
Besides his on-court fights with other players, he has exhibited confrontational behavior off-court. He was arrested for breaking a man's nose during a fight after a game with theMilwaukee Bucks[82] and also for throwing a man through a plate-glass window inOrlando, after being struck with a glass of ice.[83] Barkley continues to be popular with the fans and media.
As a player, Barkley was a perennialAll-Star who earned leagueMVP honors in 1993.[10] He employed a physical style of play that earned him the nicknames "Sir Charles" and "The Round Mound of Rebound".[84] He was named to theAll-NBA team eleven times and earned two gold medals as a member of the United States Olympic Basketball team. He led both teams in scoring and was instrumental in helping the 1992 "Dream Team" and 1996 Men's Basketball team compile a perfect 16–0 record.[74][77] He retired as one of only four players in NBA history to record at least 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 4,000 assists in their career.[10] As of 2023, he has the 12th highest PER in NBA history and is 14th in win shares.[85]
In 1996, Barkley, as part of the NBA's 50th Anniversary, was honored as one of the50 greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA's 50th Anniversary Team.[86] In recognition of his collegiate and NBA achievements, Barkley's number 34 jersey was officially retired by Auburn University on March 3, 2001. In the same month, thePhiladelphia 76ers also officially retired Barkley's number 34 jersey.[87] On March 20, 2004, the Phoenix Suns honored Barkley as well by including him in the "Suns Ring of Honor".[88] In recognition of his achievements as a player, Barkley was inducted into theNaismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.[5] In October 2021, as part of the NBA's 75th Anniversary, Barkley was honored as one of the75 greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team.[89] To commemorate the NBA's 75th AnniversaryThe Athletic ranked their top 75 players of all time, and named Barkley as the 22nd greatest player in NBA history.[90]
| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
| FG% | Field goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field goal percentage | FT% | Free throw percentage |
| RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
| BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high |
| * | Led the league |
| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984–85 | Philadelphia | 82 | 60 | 28.6 | .545 | .167 | .733 | 8.6 | 1.9 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 14.0 |
| 1985–86 | Philadelphia | 80 | 80 | 36.9 | .572 | .227 | .685 | 12.8 | 3.9 | 2.2 | 1.6 | 20.0 |
| 1986–87 | Philadelphia | 68 | 62 | 40.3 | .594 | .202 | .761 | 14.6* | 4.9 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 23.0 |
| 1987–88 | Philadelphia | 80 | 80 | 39.6 | .587 | .280 | .751 | 11.9 | 3.2 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 28.3 |
| 1988–89 | Philadelphia | 79 | 79 | 39.1 | .579 | .216 | .753 | 12.5 | 4.1 | 1.6 | .9 | 25.8 |
| 1989–90 | Philadelphia | 79 | 79 | 39.1 | .600 | .217 | .749 | 11.5 | 3.9 | 1.9 | .6 | 25.2 |
| 1990–91 | Philadelphia | 67 | 67 | 37.3 | .570 | .284 | .722 | 10.1 | 4.2 | 1.6 | .5 | 27.6 |
| 1991–92 | Philadelphia | 75 | 75 | 38.4 | .552 | .234 | .695 | 11.1 | 4.1 | 1.8 | .6 | 23.1 |
| 1992–93 | Phoenix | 76 | 76 | 37.6 | .520 | .305 | .765 | 12.2 | 5.1 | 1.6 | 1.0 | 25.6 |
| 1993–94 | Phoenix | 65 | 65 | 35.4 | .495 | .270 | .704 | 11.2 | 4.6 | 1.6 | .6 | 21.6 |
| 1994–95 | Phoenix | 68 | 68 | 35.0 | .486 | .338 | .748 | 11.1 | 4.1 | 1.6 | .7 | 23.0 |
| 1995–96 | Phoenix | 71 | 71 | 37.1 | .500 | .280 | .777 | 11.6 | 3.7 | 1.6 | .8 | 23.2 |
| 1996–97 | Houston | 53 | 53 | 37.9 | .484 | .283 | .694 | 13.5 | 4.7 | 1.3 | .5 | 19.2 |
| 1997–98 | Houston | 68 | 41 | 33.0 | .485 | .214 | .746 | 11.7 | 3.2 | 1.0 | .4 | 15.2 |
| 1998–99 | Houston | 42 | 40 | 36.3 | .478 | .160 | .719 | 12.3 | 4.6 | 1.0 | .3 | 16.1 |
| 1999–00 | Houston | 20 | 18 | 31.0 | .477 | .231 | .645 | 10.5 | 3.2 | .7 | .2 | 14.5 |
| Career | 1,073 | 1,012 | 36.7 | .541 | .266 | .735 | 11.7 | 3.9 | 1.5 | .8 | 22.1 | |
| All-Star | 11 | 7 | 23.2 | .495 | .250 | .625 | 6.7 | 1.8 | 1.3 | .4 | 12.6 | |
| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Philadelphia | 13 | 2 | 31.4 | .540 | .667 | .733 | 11.1 | 2.0 | 1.8 | 1.2 | 14.9 |
| 1986 | Philadelphia | 12 | 12 | 41.4 | .578 | .067 | .695 | 15.8 | 5.6 | 2.3 | 1.3 | 25.0 |
| 1987 | Philadelphia | 5 | 5 | 42.0 | .573 | .125 | .800 | 12.6 | 2.4 | .8 | 1.6 | 24.6 |
| 1989 | Philadelphia | 3 | 3 | 45.0 | .644 | .200 | .710 | 11.7 | 5.3 | 1.7 | .7 | 27.0 |
| 1990 | Philadelphia | 10 | 10 | 41.9 | .543 | .333 | .602 | 15.5 | 4.3 | .8 | .7 | 24.7 |
| 1991 | Philadelphia | 8 | 8 | 40.8 | .592 | .100 | .653 | 10.5 | 6.0 | 1.9 | .4 | 24.9 |
| 1993 | Phoenix | 24 | 24 | 42.8 | .477 | .222 | .771 | 13.6 | 4.3 | 1.6 | 1.0 | 26.6 |
| 1994 | Phoenix | 10 | 10 | 42.5 | .509 | .350 | .764 | 13.0 | 4.8 | 2.5 | .9 | 27.6 |
| 1995 | Phoenix | 10 | 10 | 39.0 | .500 | .257 | .733 | 13.4 | 3.2 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 25.7 |
| 1996 | Phoenix | 4 | 4 | 41.0 | .443 | .250 | .787 | 13.5 | 3.8 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 25.5 |
| 1997 | Houston | 16 | 16 | 37.8 | .434 | .289 | .769 | 12.0 | 3.4 | 1.2 | .4 | 17.9 |
| 1998 | Houston | 4 | 0 | 21.8 | .522 | .000 | .571 | 5.3 | 1.0 | 1.3 | .0 | 9.0 |
| 1999 | Houston | 4 | 4 | 39.3 | .529 | .286 | .667 | 13.8 | 3.8 | 1.5 | .5 | 23.5 |
| Career | 123 | 108 | 39.4 | .513 | .255 | .717 | 12.9 | 3.9 | 1.6 | .9 | 23.0 | |
Most offensive rebounds in a half: 13, Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks, March 4, 1987
Most offensive rebounds in a quarter: 11, Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks,March 4, 1987
Shortest player to lead the league in rebounds: at 6’6"
Most free throws made in a half: 19, Phoenix Suns vs. Seattle SuperSonics,June 5, 1993
Most free throw attempts in a 7-game series: 100, Philadelphia 76ers vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 1986 Eastern Conference Semi-finals
Most turnovers in a 7-game series: 37, Philadelphia 76ers vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 1986 Eastern Conference Semi-finals
Since 2000, Barkley has served as a studio analyst forTurner Network Television (TNT).[10][91] He appears on the network's NBA coverage during pre-game and halftime shows, in addition to special NBA events. He also occasionally works as an onsite game analyst.[92] He is part of the crew onInside the NBA, a post-game show during which Barkley,Ernie Johnson Jr.,Kenny Smith andShaquille O'Neal recap and comment on NBA games that have occurred during the day and also on general NBA affairs.[91] Barkley has won fiveSports Emmy Awards for "Outstanding Studio Analyst" for his work on TNT.[93]
During the broadcast of a game, in which Barkley was courtside withMarv Albert, Barkley poked fun at NBA officialDick Bavetta's age. Albert replied to Barkley, "I believe Dick would beat you in a footrace." In response to that remark, Barkley went on to challenge Bavetta to a race at the2007 NBA All-Star Weekend for $5,000. The winner was to choose a charity to which the money would be donated. The NBA agreed to pitch in an additional $50,000, and TNT threw in $25,000. The pair raced for three and a half lengths of the basketball court until Barkley ultimately won. After the event, the two kissed[94] in a show of good sportsmanship.[95]
Barkley was also known for being the first-ever celebrity guest picker forCollege GameDay, in 2004.[96]
Since 2011, Barkley has served as a studio analyst for the joint coverage of theNCAA Division I men's basketball tournament betweenTurner Sports andCBS. Barkley has broadcast every Final Four since 2011.[97]
He also served as a guest commentator forNBC's coverage of the NFL Wild Card playoffs on January 7, 2012; the same night he hostedSaturday Night Live, which is taped next door to theFootball Night in America studio inManhattan'sGE Building.[98]
Barkley announced in November 2012 that he was contemplating retirement from broadcasting. "[N]ow I'm like, 'Dude, you have been doing this for 13 years and if I make it to the end of the contract, it will be 17 years.' Seventeen years is a long time. It's a lifetime in broadcasting. I personally have to figure out the next challenge for me", he said.[92] After repeating that he planned to retire in 2016, he signed another contract with Turner Sports.[99] He later stated that he wanted to retire when he turned 60 in 2023.[100]
In October 2022, Barkley signed a 10-year contract extension withWarner Bros. Discovery Sports, owner of TNT, to remain as an analyst onInside the NBA.[101]
In June 2024, Barkley also was a guest of Game 2 of the2024 Stanley Cup Finals as a Studio analyst broadcast by ABC, and produced by ESPN.[102]
In June 2024, Barkley announced his intention to retire from television following the conclusion of the2024–25 NBA season.[103] He later reversed this decision in August, deciding to stay with TNT Sports on his ten-year, $210 million contract.[104][105]
In 2025, Inside the NBA moved to ESPN.[106]
From 2002 to 2003, Barkley hosted a sports and general topics talk show with guests on TNT calledListen Up! Charles Barkley with Ernie Johnson.[107] In July 2016, it was announced that Barkley would host a six-episode unscripted show calledThe Race Card.[108] The show was renamed toAmerican Race,[109] and premiered on TNT on May 11, 2017.[110]
In the fall of 2023, Barkley would begin co-hosting a news discussion program calledKing Charles alongsideGayle King onCNN.[111] It was alimited-run series that aired on Wednesdays at 10pm.[112]King Charles ended in April the following year.[113][114]
ADNA test read byGeorge Lopez onLopez Tonight revealed Barkley's ancestry to be of 14% Native American, 11% European, and 75% African descent.[115]
Barkley and Maureen Blumhardt reportedly first met in the mid to late 1980s when Barkley was playing for the Philadelphia 76ers. They got married in 1989. Barkley and Maureen reside inScottsdale, Arizona.[116] His wife is an honorary member of the Phoenix-based Fresh Start Women's Foundation organization.[117]
Their daughter Christiana was born in 1989. Barkley said she was named after a mall calledChristiana Mall inDelaware. She is married and has two children.[118]
Barkley is known for hiscompulsive gambling. In a 2007 interview withESPN'sTrey Wingo, Barkley revealed that he had lost approximately $10 million through gambling.[119] In addition, he also admitted to losing $2.5 million "in a six-hour period" while playingblackjack.[119] Although Barkley openly admits to his problem, he claims it is not serious since he can afford to support the habit.[119] When approached by fellowTNT broadcasterErnie Johnson about the issue, Barkley replied, "It's not a problem. If you're a drug addict or an alcoholic, those are problems. I gamble for too much money. As long as I can continue to do it I don't think it's a problem. Do I think it's a bad habit? Yes, I think it's a bad habit. Am I going to continue to do it? Yes, I'm going to continue to do it."[120]
Despite suffering big losses, Barkley also claims to have won on several occasions. During a trip toLas Vegas, he claims to have won $700,000 from playing blackjack and betting on theIndianapolis Colts to defeat theChicago Bears inSuper Bowl XLI.[119] He went on to state, however, "No matter how much I win, it ain't a lot. It's only a lot when I lose. And you always lose. I think it's fun, I think it's exciting. I'm gonna continue to do it, but I have to get to a point where I don't try to break the casino 'cause you never can."[120]
In May 2008, theWynn Las Vegas casino filed a civil complaint against Barkley, alleging that he failed to pay a $400,000 debt stemming from October 2007. Barkley responded by taking blame for letting time lapse on the repayment of the debt and promptly paid the casino.[121] After repaying his debt, Barkley stated during a pregame show on TNT, "I've got to stop gambling... I am not going to gamble anymore. For right now, the next year or two, I'm not going to gamble... Just because I can afford to lose money doesn't mean I should do it."[122]
Barkley began playinggolf during his NBA career, later staying with the sport as it was a way to remain in competition after his basketball career ended. He is a regular competitor at theAmerican Century Championshippro-am tournament, regularly finishing near the bottom of the leaderboard. He is widely regarded as a poor golfer with a particularly bad swing; he later underwent training to improve his swing, which led to an improved performance in the 2021 American Century Championship.[123][124]
Barkley participated inChampions for Change, the third iteration ofThe Match. As part of a team withPhil Mickelson, Barkley pulled off a majorupset defeatingPeyton Manning andStephen Curry by a score of 4–3.[125]
Barkley spoke for many years of hisRepublican Party affiliation. In 1995, he considered running as a Republican candidate forAlabama's governorship in the1998 election.[126] However, in 2006, he altered his political stance, stating "I was a Republican until they lost their minds."[127] At a July 2006 meeting of the Southern Regional Conference of the National School Boards Association inDestin, Florida, Barkley lent credence to the idea of running forGovernor of Alabama, stating:
I'm serious. I've got to get people to realize that the government is full of it. Republicans and Democrats want to argue over stuff that's not important, like gay marriage or the war in Iraq or illegal immigration... When I run—if I run—we're going to talk about real issues like improving our schools, cleaning up our neighborhoods of drugs and crime and making Alabama a better place for all people.[128]
In September 2006, Barkley once again reiterated his desire to run for governor. He noted, "I can't run until 2014 ... I have to live there for seven years, so I'm looking for a house there as we speak."[129] In July 2007, he made a video declaring his support forBarack Obama in the 2008 presidential election.[130] In September 2007, during a broadcast onMonday Night Football, Barkley announced that he bought a house in Alabama to satisfy residency requirements for a 2014 campaign for governor. In addition, Barkley declared himself anIndependent and not aDemocrat as previously reported. "The Republicans are full of it", Barkley said, "The Democrats are a little less full of it."[129]
In February 2008, Barkley announced that he would be running for Governor of Alabama in 2014 as an Independent. On October 27, 2008, he officially announced his candidacy for Governor of Alabama in an interview withCNN, stating that he planned to run in the 2014 election cycle,[15] but he began to back off the idea in a November 24, 2009 interview onThe Jay Leno Show.[131] In 2010, he confirmed that he was not running in 2014.[16] In August 2015, Barkley announced his support for RepublicanJohn Kasich in the2016 presidential election.[132][133] OnLance Armstrong's podcast in 2019, he confirmed that he would not be running for office.[134]
Barkley supportsLGBT rights. In 2006, he toldFox Sports: "I'm a big advocate ofgay marriage. If they want to get married, God bless them."[135] Speaking toWolf Blitzer onCNN two years later, he said: "Every time I hear the word 'conservative,' it makes me sick to my stomach, because they're really just fake Christians, as I call them. That's all they are. ... I think they want to be judge and jury. Like, I'm for gay marriage. It's none of my business if gay people want to get married. I'mpro-choice. And I think these Christians, first of all, they're not supposed to judge other people. But they're the most hypocritical judge of people we have in the country. And it bugs the hell out of me. They act like they're Christians. They're not forgiving at all."[135] During a 2011Martin Luther King Jr. Day double-header onTNT, Barkley responded to a statement made byDr. King's daughterBernice, by saying, "People try to make it about black and white. [But] he talked about equality for every man, every woman. We have a thing going on now, people discriminating against homosexuality in this country. I love the homosexuality people. God bless the gay people. They are great people."[135] Barkley has stated on several occasions that he has played with multiple gay players.[136] In 2013, in response to Celtics playerJason Collins coming out, Barkley stated, “I think anybody who thinks they never played with a gay player is an idiot."[137] In 2022, a video surfaced of Barkley speaking at an event where he made comments vehemently in favor of the LGBT community: "I want to say this. If you're gay and transgender, I love you. And if anybody gives you sh-t, you tell them Charles said 'f--k you.'"[138][139][140] He spoke out against the2023 Bud Light boycott in the United States, mainly by conservatives who oppose the brand's endorsements by transgender actressDylan Mulvaney; he said that he would buy Bud Light for the crowd at a celebrity golf tournament inLake Tahoe, and condemned the boycotters as "rednecks".[141]
Commenting on theFerguson unrest, Barkley called the Ferguson looters "scumbags", praised the police officers who work in black neighborhoods, and said that he supports the decision made by the grand jury not to indict officer Darren Wilson in theMichael Brown shooting.[142] Previously, in 2013, Barkley expressed his agreement with the acquittal ofGeorge Zimmerman in theTrayvon Martin shooting.[142]
In 2014, when Barkley was asked about the rumor thatSeattle Seahawks quarterbackRussell Wilson was being accused for not being "black enough" on the radio showAfternoons with Anthony and Rob Ellis, he said:
Unfortunately, as I tell my white friends, we as black people, we're never going to be successful, not because of you white people, but because of other black people. When you're black, you have to deal with so much crap in your life from other black people. It's a dirty, dark secret; I'm glad it's coming out. One of the reasons we're never going to be successful as a whole, because of other black people. And for some reason we are brainwashed to think, if you're not a thug or an idiot, you're not black enough. If you go to school, make good grades, speak intelligent, and don't break the law, you're not a good black person. And it's a dirty, dark secret. There are a lot of black people who are unintelligent, who don't have success. It's best to knock a successful black person down because they're intelligent, they speak well, they do well in school, and they're successful... We're the only ethnic group who say, 'Hey, if you go to jail, it gives you street cred.' It's just typical BS that goes on when you're black, man.[143]
Barkley has also been known as a critic of PresidentDonald Trump from as early as his Republican nomination in the2016 U.S. presidential election.[144] Before Trump won the Republican primaries that year, Barkley stated his disgust towards the words and messages that Trump was promoting throughout the presidential race. In September 2017, when President Trump called out formerSan Francisco 49ers quarterbackColin Kaepernick for hiskneeling during the U.S. National Anthem during the2016 NFL season, Barkley expressed his complete disappointment in President Trump (however, Barkley has stated that he does not support athletes kneeling during the National Anthem as a form of protest).[145] In December 2017, Barkley mocked President Trump's tax bill, stating "Thank you Republicans, I knew I could always count on y'all to take care of us rich people, us one percenters. Sorry, poor people. I'm hoping for y'all, but y'all ain't got no chance."[146]
In his response to the controversy generated by the removal of Confederate monuments as highlighted by the August 2017Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, Barkley stated:
I've never thought about those statues a day in my life. I think if you asked most black people to be honest, they ain't thought a day in their life about those stupid statues. What we as black people need to do: We need to worry about getting our education, we need to stop killing each other, we need to try to find a way to have more economic opportunity and things like that. Those things are important and significant. You know, I'm wasting time and energy [if I'm] screaming at a neo-Nazi, or [saying] 'Man, you've got to take this statue down.'[147]
Barkley supported DemocratDoug Jones in the2017 United States Senate special election in Alabama.[148] During Alabama's Senate election, Barkley argued that Jones' competitor,Roy Moore, should have been disqualified: "How can you have a guy who's running with a white separatist running for a political office?"
While Barkley supportspolice andprison reforms, he spoke out againstdefunding the police in 2020, saying "Who are black people supposed to call? The Ghostbusters?".[149] After thekilling of Breonna Taylor, Barkley said that "I feel sad that this young lady lost her life.", but added that "we do have to take into account that her boyfriend shot at the cops and shot a cop.", making her situation not "likeGeorge Floyd orAhmaud Arbery".[150]
Also in 2020, Barkley expressed concern that sports were becoming too political, saying that "My concern is turning this into a circus instead of trying to do some good stuff." and that "The last thing they want to do is turn on the television and hear arguments all the time."[151]
During theCOVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Barkley said that "You'd have to be a fool to think your kids will be safe in school right now", but argued that keeping children at home would widen the gap between the rich and the poor.[151] He also expressed optimism about the NBA's planned restart to the2019-2020 season in theNBA bubble, but worried about some players testing positive forCOVID-19.[151]
In an interview withBrandon 'Scoop B' Robinson on the Scoop B Radio podcast, Barkley said if he ruled the world for one day, he would get rid of both Republicans and Democrats because "They're both awful", adding: "They fight all of the time like little kids."[152]
In 1991, Barkley and sportswriter Roy S. Johnson collaborated on the autobiographical workOutrageous. Editorial choices made by Johnson in the book led to Barkley famously quipping that he had been misquoted in his own autobiography.[153] In 2000, Barkley wrote theforeword forSports Illustrated columnistRick Reilly's bookThe Life of Reilly. In it, Barkley quipped, "Of all the people in sports I'd like to throw through a plate glass window, Reilly's not one of them. It's a shame though, skinny white boys lookreal aerodynamic."[154] In 2002, Barkley released the bookI May Be Wrong, But I Doubt It, which included editing and commentary by close friendMichael Wilbon.[155] Three years later, Barkley releasedWho's Afraid of a Large Black Man?, which is a collection of interviews with leading figures in entertainment, business, sports, and government. Michael Wilbon also contributed to this book and was present at many of the interviews.[155]
He played himself in the 1996 filmSpace Jam. He made a brief appearance in the TV seriesSuits, in episode 3 of thefifth season. He was seen taking pictures with a client that was stolen from Jack Soloff, by the great Harvey Specter. Charles also appeared in the eighth season ofModern Family. He also voices animated versions of himself inClerks: The Animated Series andWe Bare Bears. In 2019, he appeared in "The Piña Colada Song" episode ofThe Goldbergs as a gym teacher and alien conspiracy theorist briefly trained as a prospective replacement for the departing Coach Mellor.[156] Barkley hostedSaturday Night Live on four separate occasions between 1993 and 2018.
On December 31, 2008, Barkley was pulled over inScottsdale, Arizona for running a stop sign.[157] The officer smelled alcohol on Barkley's breath and proceeded to administer field sobriety tests, which he failed. He was arrested on drunk driving charges and had his vehicle impounded. Barkley refused to submit a breath test and was given a blood test.[158] He was then cited and released.[157] Gilbert police noted Barkley was cooperative and respectful during the entire incident, adding that he was treated no differently than anyone arrested on DUI charges.[158] The police report of the incident stated that Barkley told the police he was in a hurry to receive oral sex from his female passenger when he ran through a stop sign early Wednesday.[158] Test results released by the police showed that Barkley had a blood-alcohol level at .149, nearly twice the legal limit of .08 in Arizona.[159] Two months after his arrest, Barkley pleaded guilty to two DUI-related counts and one count of running a red light. He was sentenced to ten days in jail and fined $2,000.[160] The sentence was later reduced to three days after Barkley entered an alcohol treatment program.[161]
As part of the fallout of his arrest, Barkley took a two-monthhiatus from his commentating duties forTNT.[162] During his absence,T-Mobile elected not to air previously scheduled ads that featured Barkley.[163] On February 19, 2009, Barkley returned to TNT and spent the first segment of the NBA pregame show discussing the incident and his experiences.[164] Shortly after his return, T-Mobile once again began airing ads featuring Barkley.[165]
In 2011, Barkley became a spokesman forWeightWatchers, promoting their "Lose Like a Man" program and appearing in both television and online ads.[166]
They lie," said Charles Barkley, a basketball commentator for TNT. "I've been measured at 6-5, 6-4 ¾. But I started in college at 6-6.
[I]f I lived here, I'd vote for Doug Jones.
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