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 most power forwards. 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 had a fight with Detroit Pistons center Bill Laimbeer, resulting 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. This event stirred national controversy.

March 26, 1991: Spitting incident

On March 26, 1991, during a game against the New Jersey Nets, Charles Barkley accidentally spat on a young girl while attempting to spit at a heckler. He was suspended for one game and fined $10,000.

1993: Role Model Controversy

In 1993, Charles Barkley stated 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 wrote the text for his "I am not a role model" Nike commercial, sparking a national debate on athletes as role models. Former Vice President Dan Quayle called it a "family-values message".

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. After Oakley committed a flagrant foul on Barkley, Barkley responded by shoving Oakley.

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 an altercation where Barkley threw the ball at O'Neal.

October 2007: Accrual of Gambling Debt

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

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. Barkley repaid the debt promptly 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 drunk driving 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 counts.

2010: Admitted to Taking Money From Agents

In 2010, Charles Barkley admitted to taking money from sports agents during his college career at Auburn, which he later repaid.

2013: Expressed Agreement with Zimmerman Acquittal

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

August 2017: Response to Confederate Monument Controversy

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

September 2017: Criticism of Trump's Stance on NFL Protests

In September 2017, Charles Barkley voiced his disappointment in President Trump's criticism of Colin Kaepernick, who was kneeling during the U.S. National Anthem during the 2016 NFL season. However, Barkley also 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 mocked President Trump's tax bill, expressing that it benefited the wealthy at the expense of the poor.

2020: Concern Over Sports Becoming Too Political

In 2020, Charles Barkley voiced concern that sports were becoming too political, emphasizing that people watch television to escape arguments.

2020: Comments on Police Reform and Breonna Taylor's Death

In 2020, While supporting police and prison reforms, Charles Barkley spoke out against defunding the police. Following the killing of Breonna Taylor, he expressed sadness but noted that her boyfriend shot at the cops, differentiating her situation from George Floyd or Ahmaud Arbery.

2020: Comments on COVID-19 Pandemic and Schools

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Charles Barkley expressed concern about children's safety in schools, arguing that keeping them at home would widen the gap between the rich and the poor.