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, known for his rebounding and scoring prowess despite being shorter than typical players at his position. Barkley's achievements include being an 11-time NBA All-Star, 11-time All-NBA Team member, and the 1993 NBA MVP. He was also recognized as one of the NBA's greatest players, earning spots on the league's 50th and 75th anniversary teams.

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, causing 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 heckler but accidentally hit a young girl. He was suspended and fined, but later apologized and befriended the girl and her family.

1993: Controversial Role Model Statement

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 considered role models was amplified when he wrote the text for his "I am not a role model" Nike commercial, sparking national debate.

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.

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.

December 31, 2008: Arrested for DUI

On December 31, 2008, Charles Barkley was arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona for driving under the influence after running a stop sign. He was later sentenced to jail time and fined.

2010: Admits to Taking Money from Agents

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

2016: Disgust towards Donald Trump's Message

As early as 2016, Charles Barkley criticized President Donald Trump, stating his 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.

September 2017: Criticism of President Trump

In September 2017, Charles Barkley expressed his disappointment in President Trump for calling out Colin Kaepernick for kneeling during the U.S. National Anthem during the 2016 NFL season. However, Barkley stated 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 it favored the rich.

2020: Concern over Sports Becoming Too Political

In 2020, Charles Barkley expressed concern that sports were becoming too political and resembling a circus.

2020: Views on Defunding the Police and Breonna Taylor's Death

In 2020, Charles Barkley spoke out against defunding the police and commented on the killing of Breonna Taylor, stating that her situation was not the same as George Floyd or Ahmaud Arbery due to her boyfriend shooting at the cops.

2020: Views on Children Returning to School During COVID-19

In 2020, Charles Barkley stated that sending kids back to school during the COVID-19 pandemic was unsafe, but keeping them at home would widen the gap between the rich and the poor.