Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Charles Barkley

Public opinion and media debates around Charles Barkley—discover key moments of controversy.

Charles Barkley, nicknamed "Sir Charles", is a retired American professional basketball player and current television analyst. Known for his rebounding and scoring prowess despite being undersized for a power forward, Barkley played 16 seasons in the NBA. He achieved numerous accolades, including 11-time NBA All-Star, 11-time All-NBA Team selection, and the 1993 NBA MVP award. Barkley was also named to the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams, solidifying his legacy as one of the league's greats.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

1990: Fight with Bill Laimbeer

In 1990, Charles Barkley was involved in a fight with Detroit Pistons center Bill Laimbeer, which resulted in a record total $162,500 fine. This on-court incident was a notable event in his career.

March 1991: Spitting Incident

In March 1991, Charles Barkley stirred controversy when he spat on a young girl while attempting to spit at a heckler. This incident led to national outrage and negative attention.

March 26, 1991: Spitting Incident

On March 26, 1991, Charles Barkley attempted to spit on a heckler during a game against the New Jersey Nets, but instead, his spit hit a young girl. He was suspended and fined for the incident.

1992: First Olympic "Dream Team" Appearance and Gold Medal

In 1992, Charles Barkley played on the U.S. "Dream Team" in the Olympics, winning a gold medal. He led the team with 18.0 points and set an Olympic single-game scoring record with 30 points. He also elbowed Herlander Coimbra in the chest during a game versus Angola, which resulted in an intentional foul.

1993: Role Model Statement

In 1993, Charles Barkley created controversy when he declared that sports figures should not be considered role models. This statement ignited debate about the responsibilities of athletes and celebrities.

1993: "I am not a role model" Nike Commercial

In 1993, Charles Barkley's argument that athletes should not be considered role models gained national attention when he wrote the text for his "I am not a role model" Nike commercial. This sparked debate, with figures like Dan Quayle commenting on its message.

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October 25, 1996: Suspension and Fine for Fighting

On October 25, 1996, Charles Barkley was suspended for the season opener and fined $5,000 for fighting Charles Oakley during a preseason game. This incident occurred after Oakley committed a flagrant foul on Barkley, leading to Barkley shoving Oakley.

November 10, 1999: Ejection from game against the Los Angeles Lakers

On November 10, 1999, Charles Barkley was ejected from a game against the Los Angeles Lakers along with Shaquille O'Neal. This occurred after O'Neal blocked Barkley's layup and shoved him, leading Barkley to throw the ball at O'Neal.

October 2007: Debt to Wynn Las Vegas Casino

In October 2007, Charles Barkley incurred a $400,000 debt at the Wynn Las Vegas casino, which led to a civil complaint filed against him in May 2008.

2007: Race against Dick Bavetta at NBA All-Star Weekend

In 2007, during the NBA All-Star Weekend, Charles Barkley raced NBA official Dick Bavetta for $5,000, which was donated to charity. The NBA and TNT contributed additional funds. Barkley won the race.

2007: Gambling Losses Revealed

In a 2007 interview, Charles Barkley revealed he had lost approximately $10 million through gambling, including $2.5 million in a six-hour period playing blackjack. Barkley claims it is not a serious problem since he can afford to support the habit.

May 2008: Wynn Las Vegas Casino Debt Repayment

In May 2008, Charles Barkley repaid a $400,000 debt to the Wynn Las Vegas casino, stemming from October 2007. Following the repayment, Barkley stated his intention to stop gambling for the next year or two.

December 31, 2008: Arrest for DUI

On December 31, 2008, Charles Barkley was arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona, for driving under the influence after being pulled over for running a stop sign. His blood-alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit.

2010: Admission of Taking Money from Agents

In 2010, Charles Barkley admitted that he had taken money from sports agents during his career at Auburn. He stated that he repaid all the money after signing his first NBA contract.

2013: Expressed Agreement with George Zimmerman Acquittal

In 2013, Charles Barkley expressed his agreement with the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the Trayvon Martin shooting.

2014: Commented on Russell Wilson Accusation

In 2014, Charles Barkley commented on the rumor that Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was being accused of not being "black enough" on the radio show Afternoons with Anthony and Rob Ellis.

2016: Criticism of Donald Trump

In 2016, Charles Barkley criticized Donald Trump's words and messages during the U.S. presidential election race, even before Trump won the Republican primaries.

August 2017: Response to Confederate Monument Controversy

In August 2017, Charles Barkley responded to the controversy surrounding the removal of Confederate monuments, sparked by the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

September 2017: Criticism of Trump's Comments on Kaepernick

In September 2017, Charles Barkley expressed his disappointment in President Trump's criticism of Colin Kaepernick, who was kneeling during the U.S. National Anthem during the 2016 NFL season.

December 2017: Mocking Trump's tax bill

In December 2017, Charles Barkley mocked President Trump's tax bill, implying it favored the wealthy at the expense of the poor.

2017: Support for Doug Jones

In 2017, during Alabama's Senate election, Charles Barkley supported Democrat Doug Jones and argued that his competitor, Roy Moore, should have been disqualified due to his association with a white separatist.

2020: Concern about Politics in Sports

In 2020, Charles Barkley expressed concern that sports were becoming too political, fearing it would alienate viewers who wanted to escape arguments.

2020: Comments on Defunding the Police and Breonna Taylor

In 2020, Charles Barkley spoke out against defunding the police and commented on the killing of Breonna Taylor, stating that her situation was different from George Floyd or Ahmaud Arbery because her boyfriend shot at the cops.

2020: Thoughts on the COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Charles Barkley stated concerns that children would not be safe in school, but argued that keeping them at home would widen the gap between the rich and the poor.

2023: Spoke out Against Bud Light Boycott

In 2023, Charles Barkley spoke out against the Bud Light boycott in the United States, mainly by conservatives who oppose the brand's endorsements by transgender actress Dylan Mulvaney.