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. He played 16 seasons in the NBA, known for his rebounding and scoring prowess despite being shorter than the average power forward. Barkley was an 11-time NBA All-Star, 11-time All-NBA Team member, and the 1993 NBA MVP. He was recognized as one of the NBA's greatest players, earning spots on the league's 50th and 75th anniversary teams. After his successful playing career, he transitioned to broadcasting.

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 $162,500 fine.

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, during a game versus the New Jersey Nets, Charles Barkley attempted to spit on a fan who was allegedly heckling him, but the spit hit a young girl. He was suspended for one game and fined $10,000. He later apologized and developed a friendship with the girl and her family.

1993: Role Model Declaration

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

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 after he wrote the text for his "I am not a role model" Nike commercial, which prompted discussions about the responsibilities of athletes and the role of parents.

October 25, 1996: Suspension and Fine for Fighting Charles Oakley

On October 25, 1996, Charles Barkley was suspended and fined $5,000 for fighting Charles Oakley during a preseason game after Oakley committed a flagrant foul.

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 throwing the ball at O'Neal following a shove.

October 2007: Failed to pay gambling debt

In October 2007, Charles Barkley accrued a $400,000 debt at the Wynn Las Vegas casino that went unpaid, leading to a lawsuit in May 2008.

2007: Race against Dick Bavetta

In 2007, Charles Barkley challenged NBA official Dick Bavetta to a footrace at the NBA All-Star Weekend for charity, which Barkley won.

2007: Revealed gambling losses

In a 2007 interview with ESPN's Trey Wingo, Charles Barkley revealed he had lost approximately $10 million through gambling and admitted to losing $2.5 million in six hours playing blackjack.

May 2008: Wynn Las Vegas Casino filed civil complaint against Barkley

In May 2008, The Wynn Las Vegas casino filed a civil complaint against Charles Barkley after he failed to pay a $400,000 debt stemming from October 2007. Barkley promptly paid the casino and vowed to stop gambling.

December 31, 2008: DUI Arrest 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 and failing field sobriety tests. His blood-alcohol level was .149, nearly twice the legal limit. He later pleaded guilty to DUI-related charges.

2010: Admitted to Taking Money from Sports Agents

In 2010, Charles Barkley admitted that he had asked for and been given money from sports agents during his college career at Auburn.

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.

2013: Stated opinion about gay players

In 2013, in response to Celtics player Jason Collins coming out, Charles Barkley stated, “I think anybody who thinks they never played with a gay player is an idiot."

2014: Commented on Russell Wilson accusation

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: Early Criticism of Donald Trump

In 2016, Charles Barkley expressed his disgust with Donald Trump's words and messages during the U.S. presidential election campaign, even before Trump secured the Republican nomination.

August 2017: Response to Confederate Monument Controversy

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

September 2017: Criticism of Trump's Stance on Kaepernick

In September 2017, Charles Barkley voiced 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, although Barkley stated that he does not support athletes kneeling during the National Anthem as a form of protest.

December 2017: Mocking Trump's Tax Bill

In December 2017, Charles Barkley criticized President Trump's tax bill, sarcastically thanking Republicans for benefiting the wealthy at the expense of the poor.

2020: Views on Police Reform and Breonna Taylor Case

In 2020, Charles Barkley supported police and prison reforms but opposed defunding the police. He also commented on the killing of Breonna Taylor, acknowledging the tragedy but noting the circumstances differed from cases like George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery because her boyfriend shot at the police.

2020: Concerns About Sports Becoming Too Political

In 2020, Charles Barkley voiced his concerns that sports were becoming overly political, arguing that it risked alienating viewers who sought entertainment rather than constant political debate.