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" among other monikers, is a retired American professional basketball player and current television analyst. Playing for 16 seasons in the NBA, he was known for his exceptional rebounding and scoring abilities despite being shorter than most power forwards. Barkley's career highlights include being an 11-time NBA All-Star, 11-time All-NBA Team member, and the 1993 NBA Most Valuable Player. His achievements led to his inclusion in 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

February 20, 1963: Charles Barkley's Birth

On February 20, 1963, Charles Wade Barkley was born. He would later become a professional basketball player and television analyst.

Others born on this day/year

1989: Marriage to Maureen Blumhardt

In 1989, Charles Barkley married Maureen Blumhardt, after reportedly meeting in the mid to late 1980s. They reside in Scottsdale, Arizona.

1989: Birth of daughter Christiana

In 1989, Charles Barkley's daughter, Christiana, was born. She was named after Christiana Mall in Delaware.

Others born on this day/year

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.

1992: Trade to Phoenix

In 1992, Charles Barkley was traded to the Phoenix Suns, marking a significant change in his career.

1995: Consideration of Running for Alabama Governor

In 1995, Charles Barkley considered running as a Republican candidate for Alabama's governorship in the 1998 election.

1998: Potential Run for Alabama Governor

In 1998, Charles Barkley considered running for Alabama governor. However, the run never materialized.

July 2006: Altered political stance and Governor Run Credence

At a July 2006 meeting of the Southern Regional Conference of the National School Boards Association in Destin, Florida, Charles Barkley altered his political stance, and lent credence to the idea of running for Governor of Alabama.

September 2006: Reiterated Desire to Run for Governor in 2014

In September 2006, Charles Barkley reiterated his desire to run for governor, noting that he couldn't run until 2014 due to residency requirements.

2006: Support for Gay Marriage

In 2006, Charles Barkley expressed support for gay marriage, stating, "I'm a big advocate of gay marriage. If they want to get married, God bless them."

July 2007: Declared Support for Barack Obama in 2008 Presidential Election

In July 2007, Charles Barkley made a video declaring his support for Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election.

September 2007: Purchased House in Alabama for 2014 Gubernatorial Campaign

In September 2007, during a broadcast on Monday Night Football, Charles Barkley announced that he bought a house in Alabama to satisfy residency requirements for a 2014 campaign for governor and declared himself an Independent.

October 2007: Accusation of Unpaid Casino Debt

In October 2007, the Wynn Las Vegas casino alleged that Charles Barkley failed to pay a $400,000 debt.

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 charity. Barkley won the race, and the event raised money for the charities of their choice.

2007: Gambling Losses Revealed

In a 2007 interview, Charles Barkley revealed he had lost approximately $10 million through gambling, including $2.5 million in a six-hour period playing blackjack. He claimed that he can afford his gambling habit.

February 2008: Announced Candidacy for Alabama Governor in 2014

In February 2008, Charles Barkley announced that he would be running for Governor of Alabama in 2014 as an Independent.

May 2008: Payment of Casino Debt and Announcement to Stop Gambling

In May 2008, Charles Barkley paid the Wynn Las Vegas casino $400,000, resolving the debt from October 2007, and stated he would stop gambling for the next year or two, though he acknowledged it was a bad habit.

October 27, 2008: Officially Announced Candidacy for Governor of Alabama

On October 27, 2008, Charles Barkley officially announced his candidacy for Governor of Alabama in an interview with CNN, planning to run in the 2014 election cycle.

2008: Support for Barack Obama

In 2008, Charles Barkley supported Barack Obama in the presidential election.

November 24, 2009: Began Backing Off Governor Run Idea

On November 24, 2009, Charles Barkley began to back off the idea of running for Governor of Alabama in an interview on The Jay Leno Show.

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2010: Confirmed Not Running for Governor in 2014

In 2010, Charles Barkley confirmed that he was not running for Governor of Alabama in 2014.

2011: Advocacy for Homosexuality

During a 2011 Martin Luther King Jr. Day broadcast on TNT, Charles Barkley responded to a statement made by Dr. King's daughter Bernice, by saying, "People try to make it about black and white. He talked about equality for every man, every woman. We have a thing going on now, people discriminating against homosexuality in this country. I love the homosexuality people. God bless the gay people. They are great people."

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.

2013: Stated 'anybody who thinks they never played with a gay player is an idiot.'

In 2013, in response to Celtics player Jason Collins coming out, Charles Barkley stated, “I think anybody who thinks they never played with a gay player is an idiot."

2014: Governor Election

Charles Barkley had previously planned to run for governor in 2014, but ended up not running

2014: Commented on Rumors about Russell Wilson not being 'black enough'

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.

2014: Potential Run for Governor

In 2014, Charles Barkley was eligible to run for governor, but did not end up running.

August 2015: Supported John Kasich in 2016 Presidential Election

In August 2015, Charles Barkley announced his support for Republican John Kasich in the 2016 presidential election.

2016: Presidential Election

In 2016, Charles Barkley supported Republican John Kasich in the presidential election.

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, noting that Jones' competitor, Roy Moore, was an embarrassment to the state.

2019: Confirmed Not Running for Office

In 2019, Charles Barkley confirmed on Lance Armstrong's podcast that he would not be running for office.

2020: Concerns about children safety in school during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Charles Barkley expressed concerns about the safety of children in schools, but also worried about the impact of keeping them at home on the gap between rich and poor.

2021: Improved Performance at American Century Championship

In 2021, Charles Barkley showed improved performance at the American Century Championship pro-am tournament due to training to improve his golf swing.

2022: Vehement Support for LGBT Community

In 2022, a video surfaced of Charles Barkley speaking at an event where he made comments vehemently in favor of the LGBT community, expressing his love and support for gay and transgender individuals.

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.