Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Charles Barkley

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

Charles Barkley is a retired American professional basketball player and current television analyst. Known for his rebounding prowess and scoring ability despite being undersized for his position, he played 16 seasons in the NBA. Barkley's accolades include 11-time NBA All-Star, 11-time All-NBA Team selection, and the 1993 NBA MVP award. He was also named to 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 was involved in a fight with Detroit Pistons center Bill Laimbeer, resulting in a record total fine of $162,500.

March 1991: Spitting Incident

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

March 26, 1991: Spitting Incident

On March 26, 1991, Charles Barkley attempted to spit on a fan during a game versus the New Jersey Nets but accidentally hit a young girl, leading to suspension and a $10,000 fine.

1992: Olympic Gold Medal with "Dream Team"

In 1992, Charles Barkley competed in the 1992 Olympic Games and won a gold medal as a member of the United States men's basketball team, nicknamed the "Dream Team", which went 6-0 in the Olympic qualifying tournament and 8-0 against Olympic opponents. During the game versus Angola, Barkley elbowed Herlander Coimbra in the chest and was unapologetic after the game, claiming he was hit first.

1993: Role Model Controversy

In 1993, Charles Barkley declared that sports figures should not be considered role models, causing 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, which was called a "family-values message" by Dan Quayle.

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. The fight started after Oakley committed a flagrant foul on Barkley.

November 10, 1999: Ejected from Game Against Lakers

On November 10, 1999, Charles Barkley was ejected from a game against the Los Angeles Lakers along with Shaquille O'Neal after O'Neal shoved Barkley, who then threw the ball at O'Neal.

October 2007: Accumulation of Gambling Debt

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

2007: Footrace against Dick Bavetta

In 2007, Charles Barkley raced NBA official Dick Bavetta at the NBA All-Star Weekend for charity, winning the race.

2007: Gambling Losses Revealed

In a 2007 interview with ESPN, Charles Barkley revealed that he had lost approximately $10 million through gambling, including $2.5 million in a six-hour blackjack session, but claimed it wasn't a problem as he could afford it.

May 2008: Wynn Las Vegas Casino Debt

In May 2008, the Wynn Las Vegas casino filed a civil complaint against Charles Barkley for failing to pay a $400,000 debt from October 2007, which he promptly paid and vowed to stop gambling for a year or two.

December 31, 2008: Arrested for DUI in Scottsdale, Arizona

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. Barkley pleaded guilty to DUI-related counts and running a red light, receiving a jail sentence and a fine.

February 19, 2009: Return to TNT After DUI Hiatus

On February 19, 2009, Charles Barkley returned to TNT after a two-month hiatus following his DUI arrest and discussed the incident. T-Mobile resumed airing ads featuring Barkley after his return.

2010: Admits to Accepting Money from Agents

In 2010, Charles Barkley admitted that he accepted money from sports agents during his college career at Auburn, stating he paid it back after signing his first NBA contract.

2013: Agreement with Zimmerman Acquittal

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

2014: Comments on Russell Wilson

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

In 2016, Charles Barkley criticized Donald Trump's words and messages during the U.S. presidential election, 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 Trump's Response to Kaepernick Kneeling

In September 2017, Charles Barkley expressed his disappointment in President Trump's criticism of Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, for 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, sarcastically thanking Republicans for taking care of the wealthy at the expense of the poor.

2017: Support for Doug Jones in Alabama Senate Election

In 2017, during the United States Senate special election in Alabama, 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 Sports Becoming Too Political

In 2020, Charles Barkley expressed concern that sports were becoming too political and argued that turning sports into a "circus" would be counterproductive.

2020: Views on Defunding the Police and Breonna Taylor Killing

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

2023: Response to Bud Light Boycott

In 2023, Charles Barkley spoke out against the Bud Light boycott, calling the boycotters "rednecks" and stating he would buy Bud Light for the crowd at a celebrity golf tournament.