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, primarily as a power forward, despite being shorter than average for the position. Known for his rebounding and scoring prowess, Barkley was an 11-time NBA All-Star, 11-time All-NBA Team selection, 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.

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, which resulted in a record total of $162,500 in fines.

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 attempted to spit on a heckler but accidentally hit a young girl. He was suspended and fined by the NBA, leading to a national controversy.

1991: Wore Number 32 to Honor Magic Johnson

In the 1991-92 season, Charles Barkley wore number 32 instead of his usual 34 to honor Magic Johnson, who had announced he was HIV-positive. He also apologized for making light of Johnson's condition and responded to concerns about contracting HIV by contact during games.

1993: Role Model Controversy

In 1993, Charles Barkley stated that sports figures should not be considered role models, sparking a national controversy.

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

In 1993, Charles Barkley's argument that athletes should not be considered role models prompted national news when he wrote the text for his "I am not a role model" Nike commercial. Dan Quayle, the former Vice President of the United States, called it a "family-values message".

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. Barkley responded by shoving Oakley after Oakley committed a flagrant foul on him.

November 10, 1999: Ejection 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 a physical altercation.

October 2007: Casino Debt

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

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

In 2007, Charles Barkley challenged NBA official Dick Bavetta to a footrace at the NBA All-Star Weekend for $5,000, which was donated to charity, with the NBA and TNT contributing additional funds; Barkley won the race and kissed Bavetta in a show of good sportsmanship.

May 2008: Wynn Las Vegas casino lawsuit

In May 2008, the Wynn Las Vegas casino filed a civil complaint against Charles Barkley, alleging he failed to pay a $400,000 debt stemming from October 2007; Barkley promptly paid the casino 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 and failing field sobriety tests. His blood-alcohol level was .149, nearly twice the legal limit in Arizona. He later pleaded guilty to DUI-related counts and running a red light.

2010: Admitted to Receiving Money from Agents

In 2010, Charles Barkley admitted that he had asked for and received money from sports agents during his time at Auburn.

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 accusations against 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: Disgust towards Trump's presidential campaign messages

In 2016, before Donald Trump won the Republican primaries, Charles Barkley expressed disgust towards the words and messages that Trump was promoting throughout the presidential race.

August 2017: Response to Confederate monument controversy

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

September 2017: Criticism of President Trump

In September 2017, Charles Barkley expressed disappointment in President Trump for calling out Colin Kaepernick for kneeling during the U.S. National Anthem during the 2016 NFL season. Barkley clarified 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, stating that it favored the rich and disadvantaged the poor.

2017: Support for Doug Jones in Alabama Senate election

In 2017, Charles Barkley supported Democrat Doug Jones in the United States Senate special election in Alabama, arguing that Jones' competitor, Roy Moore, should have been disqualified due to his association with a white separatist.

2019: NBA season restart concerns

In 2019, Charles Barkley voiced his concerns about the NBA's planned restart to the 2019-2020 season within the NBA bubble, expressing worries about players testing positive for COVID-19.

2020: Concern over sports becoming too political

In 2020, Charles Barkley expressed concern that sports were becoming too political, fearing it would turn into a circus and create constant arguments for viewers.

2020: Comments on defunding the police and Breonna Taylor

In 2020, While supporting police and prison reforms, Charles Barkley spoke out against defunding the police. After the killing of Breonna Taylor, Barkley said that he felt sad about her death but added that her boyfriend shot at the cops and shot a cop, making her situation not "like George Floyd or Ahmaud Arbery".

2020: Comments on COVID-19 and NBA restart

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Charles Barkley stated that it would be foolish to think kids would be safe in school, but also argued that keeping children at home would widen the gap between the rich and the poor. He also 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.

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; he said that he would buy Bud Light for the crowd at a celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, and condemned the boycotters as "rednecks".