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" among other monikers, is a retired American professional basketball player and current television analyst. Playing for 16 seasons in the NBA, he was known for his exceptional rebounding and scoring abilities despite being shorter than most power forwards. Barkley's career highlights include being an 11-time NBA All-Star, 11-time All-NBA Team member, and the 1993 NBA Most Valuable Player. His achievements led to his inclusion in the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams, solidifying his legacy as one of basketball's greats.

Sections (5)

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

1990: Fight with Bill Laimbeer

In 1990, Charles Barkley had a fight with Detroit Pistons center Bill Laimbeer, resulting in a record $162,500 fine.

March 1991: Spitting Incident

In March 1991, Charles Barkley spat on a young girl while attempting to spit at a heckler, causing national controversy.

March 26, 1991: Spitting Incident

On March 26, 1991, during a game versus the New Jersey Nets, Charles Barkley attempted to spit on a heckler but accidentally hit a young girl, resulting in a suspension and fine.

1993: Controversial Role Model Statement

In 1993, Charles Barkley declared that sports figures should not be considered role models, stirring national controversy.

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

In 1993, Charles Barkley's argument that athletes should not be role models prompted national news when he wrote the text for his "I am not a role model" Nike commercial.

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.

November 10, 1999: Ejection from Game Against Lakers

On November 10, 1999, Charles Barkley, along with Shaquille O'Neal, was ejected from a game against the Los Angeles Lakers after a physical altercation.

October 2007: Accusation of Unpaid Casino Debt

In October 2007, the Wynn Las Vegas casino alleged that Charles Barkley failed to pay a $400,000 debt.

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. He claimed that he can afford his gambling habit.

May 2008: Payment of Casino Debt and Announcement to Stop Gambling

In May 2008, Charles Barkley paid the Wynn Las Vegas casino $400,000, resolving the debt from October 2007, and stated he would stop gambling for the next year or two, though he acknowledged it was a bad habit.

December 31, 2008: Arrested for drunk driving in Scottsdale, Arizona

On December 31, 2008, Charles Barkley was arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona for drunk driving after being pulled over for running a stop sign. He failed field sobriety tests and had a blood-alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit. Barkley later pleaded guilty to DUI-related charges.

February 19, 2009: Return to TNT after DUI arrest

On February 19, 2009, Charles Barkley returned to TNT after a two-month hiatus following his DUI arrest, discussing the incident on the NBA pregame show.

2010: Admits to Taking Money from Sports Agents

In 2010, Charles Barkley admitted that he asked for and received money from sports agents during his career at Auburn, stating he paid it all back after signing his first NBA contract.

2013: Expressed Agreement with George Zimmerman's Acquittal

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

2014: Commented on Rumors about Russell Wilson not being 'black enough'

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

2016: Criticism of Donald Trump's presidential campaign

In 2016, Charles Barkley criticized Donald Trump's words and messages during the U.S. presidential election campaign, 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, highlighted by the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

September 2017: Criticism of President Trump's comments on Colin Kaepernick

In September 2017, Charles Barkley expressed his disappointment in President Trump's criticism of Colin Kaepernick for kneeling during the U.S. National Anthem during the 2016 NFL season. However, Barkley stated that he does not support athletes kneeling during the National Anthem as a form of protest.

December 2017: Mocking President 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.

2020: Concerns about sports becoming too political

In 2020, Charles Barkley expressed concern that sports were becoming too political, worrying about it turning into a "circus" and alienating viewers.

2020: Views on police reform and Breonna Taylor case

In 2020, while supporting police and prison reforms, Charles Barkley spoke out against defunding the police. He also commented on the killing of Breonna Taylor, acknowledging the tragedy but noting the circumstances involving her boyfriend shooting at the police.

2023: Spoke out against the 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.