Childhood and Education Journey of Charles Barkley in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Charles Barkley. A timeline of key moments.

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

February 20, 1963: Charles Barkley's Birth

On February 20, 1963, Charles Wade Barkley was born. He is an American former professional basketball player and current television analyst.

Others born on this day/year

1984: Led Auburn to NCAA Tournament

In 1984, Charles Barkley led the Auburn Tigers to their first NCAA tournament in school history.

1984: SEC Player of the Year

In 1984, Charles Barkley was named Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Year while playing at Auburn University.

1991: Honoring 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.

1992: Trade to Phoenix and Olympic Appearance

In 1992, Charles Barkley was traded to the Phoenix Suns and reverted his jersey number to 34. International rules changed, allowing NBA players to participate in the Olympics, and Barkley joined the 'Dream Team'.

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.

April 19, 2000: Final Game and Retirement

On April 19, 2000, Charles Barkley returned for one final game against the Vancouver Grizzlies, scoring a basket and retiring to a standing ovation, overcoming the mental block of his injury.

2000: Retired from the NBA

In 2000, Charles Barkley retired as the fourth player in NBA history to achieve 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 4,000 assists.

August 2017: Response to Confederate monument controversy

In August 2017, Charles Barkley responded to the controversy generated by the removal of Confederate monuments.

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 Roy Moore should have been disqualified due to his association with a white separatist.

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: 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.