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 and scoring prowess despite being undersized for his position, he played 16 seasons in the NBA. Barkley's accomplishments include being an 11-time NBA All-Star, 11-time All-NBA Team member, and the 1993 NBA MVP. He was also named to the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams, solidifying his legacy as one of basketball's greats.
1990: Fight with Bill Laimbeer
In 1990, Charles Barkley was involved in a fight with Detroit Pistons center Bill Laimbeer, resulting in a record fine.
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.
March 26, 1991: Spitting Incident
On March 26, 1991, during a game against the New Jersey Nets, Charles Barkley spat on a fan, accidentally hitting a young girl, resulting in a suspension and fine.
1992: Barkley wins gold at 1992 Olympic Games
In 1992, Charles Barkley competed in the Olympic Games and won a gold medal as a member of the United States men's basketball team. 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 Statement
In 1993, Charles Barkley stirred controversy when he declared that sports figures should not be considered role models.
1993: Barkley's "I am not a role model" Nike commercial
In 1993, Charles Barkley's "I am not a role model" Nike commercial prompted national news. The former Vice President of the United States, Dan Quayle, 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.
October 25, 1996: Barkley suspended and fined for fighting Charles Oakley
On October 25, 1996, Charles Barkley was suspended for the season opener and fined $5,000 for fighting Charles Oakley during a preseason game. After Oakley committed a flagrant foul on Barkley, Barkley responded by shoving Oakley.
November 10, 1999: Barkley 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 an altercation.
May 2008: Wynn 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 stemming from October 2007. Barkley promptly paid the casino and vowed to stop gambling.
December 31, 2008: Arrest for DUI in Scottsdale
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. He later pleaded guilty to DUI-related charges.
2010: Admission of Accepting Money from Agents
In 2010, Charles Barkley admitted that he had asked for and received money from sports agents during his time at Auburn University.
2013: Supports Zimmerman Acquittal
In 2013, Charles Barkley expressed his agreement with the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the Trayvon Martin shooting.
2014: Russell Wilson "Black Enough" Controversy
In 2014, Charles Barkley commented on the rumor that Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was being accused of not being "black enough".
2016: Critic of Donald Trump
As early as 2016, Charles Barkley was a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, expressing disgust towards Trump's words and messages during the presidential race.
August 2017: Confederate Monuments Controversy Response
In August 2017, Charles Barkley responded to the controversy generated by the removal of Confederate monuments as highlighted by the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.
September 2017: Criticizes Trump on Kaepernick
In September 2017, Charles Barkley expressed disappointment in President Trump for calling out Colin Kaepernick's kneeling during the U.S. National Anthem.
December 2017: Mocks Trump's Tax Bill
In December 2017, Charles Barkley mocked President Trump's tax bill, stating it benefited the rich and disadvantaged the poor.
2019: NBA Season Restart Concerns
In 2019, Charles Barkley expressed optimism about the NBA's planned restart to the 2019-2020 season in the NBA bubble, but worried about some players testing positive for COVID-19.
2020: Opposes Defunding the Police
In 2020, Charles Barkley spoke out against defunding the police, and made comments about the Breonna Taylor case, stating 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.".
2020: COVID-19 Pandemic Comments
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Charles Barkley expressed concern about the safety of children in schools, suggesting it would be foolish to assume their safety. He also worried about the potential widening of the gap between rich and poor due to children staying at home and shared his optimism, albeit with concerns about positive cases, regarding the NBA's planned restart to the 2019-2020 season in the NBA bubble.
2023: Condemns Bud Light Boycott
In 2023, Charles Barkley spoke out against the Bud Light boycott, supporting the brand's endorsements by transgender actress Dylan Mulvaney and condemning the boycotters as "rednecks".
