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. He earned numerous accolades, including 11-time NBA All-Star, 11-time All-NBA Team selection, and the 1993 NBA MVP award. Barkley was also named to the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams, solidifying his legacy as one of basketball's greats. He is currently a popular and outspoken analyst for TNT and CBS Sports.

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, which resulted 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, stirring national controversy.

March 26, 1991: Spitting Incident

On March 26, 1991, Charles Barkley attempted to spit on a heckler during a game against the New Jersey Nets but accidentally hit a young girl. He was suspended and fined by the NBA and later apologized.

1993: Role Model Controversy

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 gained national attention when he wrote the text for his "I am not a role model" Nike commercial, which sparked a debate about the responsibilities of athletes.

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October 25, 1996: Suspension and Fine 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. This event occurred after Oakley committed a flagrant foul on Barkley, leading to Barkley shoving Oakley.

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: Incurred gambling debt at Wynn Las Vegas

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

May 2008: Wynn Las Vegas civil complaint

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

December 31, 2008: Barkley Arrested 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. He failed field sobriety tests and refused a breath test. He was cooperative during the arrest.

2010: Admits to Taking Money from Agents

In 2010, Charles Barkley admitted to receiving money from sports agents during his career at Auburn, but stated that he paid it all back.

2013: Expressed agreement with the acquittal of George Zimmerman

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

2016: Barkley Disgusted by Trump's Presidential Campaign

In 2016, during the U.S. presidential election, Charles Barkley voiced his disgust towards Donald Trump's words and messages throughout his Republican nomination campaign.

August 2017: Barkley Responds to Confederate Monument Controversy

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: Barkley Criticizes Trump for Kaepernick Comments

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 stated he does not support athletes kneeling during the National Anthem as a form of protest.

December 2017: Barkley Mocks Trump's Tax Bill

In December 2017, Charles Barkley mocked President Trump's tax bill, stating that Republicans take care of the rich, expressing sympathy for the poor and their lack of opportunity.

2017: Barkley Supports 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 his competitor, Roy Moore, should have been disqualified due to his association with a white separatist.

2020: Barkley Concerned About Sports Becoming Too Political

In 2020, Charles Barkley expressed concern about sports becoming too political, suggesting it could detract from the positive aspects and lead to constant arguments.

2020: Barkley Speaks Out Against Defunding Police

In 2020, Charles Barkley spoke out against defunding the police, suggesting black people would have no one to call in such a scenario. He also commented on the killing of Breonna Taylor, noting her boyfriend's actions towards 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; 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".