History of Charles Barkley in Timeline
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.
1956: 1956 U.S. Olympic team record
The team averaged an Olympic record 117.3 points a game and won games by an average of 43.8 points, only surpassed by the 1956 U.S. Olympic team.
February 20, 1963: Charles Barkley's Birth
On February 20, 1963, Charles Wade Barkley was born. He would become a professional basketball player and a television analyst.
1967: Wilt Chamberlain recorded 22 rebounds
In 1967, Wilt Chamberlain recorded 22 rebounds at the All-Star Game, a feat matched by Charles Barkley in 1991.
1974: 76ers Miss Playoffs
For the first time since the 1974-75 season, the 76ers failed to make the playoffs during the 1988 season.
1976: First NBA Finals appearance since 1976
In the 1992-93 season, Charles Barkley led the Phoenix Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1976.
1983: 76ers won NBA Championship
In 1983, the Philadelphia 76ers, which Barkley would join in 1984, won the NBA championship.
1984: Led Tigers to NCAA Tournament
In 1984, Charles Barkley led the Auburn Tigers to their first NCAA tournament in school history.
1984: Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers
In 1984, Charles Barkley was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the fifth pick in the first round of the NBA draft.
1984: Olympic Tryouts
In 1984, Charles Barkley was invited to the spring tryouts for the U.S. Olympic team but was ultimately cut from the final roster.
1984: Named SEC Player of the Year
In 1984, Charles Barkley was named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Year.
1985: Named to All-Rookie First Team
In 1985, Charles Barkley was named to the All-Rookie First Team in his first NBA season.
November 4, 1986: Career-High Assists
On November 4, 1986, Charles Barkley recorded 34 points, 10 rebounds, and a career-high 14 assists in a game against the Indiana Pacers.
1986: Most free throw attempts in a 7-game series
In 1986, Charles Barkley had the most free throw attempts in a 7-game series with 100, playing for the Philadelphia 76ers against the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals.
1986: Most turnovers in a 7-game series
In 1986, Charles Barkley had the most turnovers in a 7-game series with 37, playing for the Philadelphia 76ers against the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals.
1986: Led the league in rebounding average
In 1986, Charles Barkley led the league in rebounding average and earned his first rebounding title.
1986: NBA leading two-point field goal percentage
In 1986-87 Charles Barkley led the NBA in 2-point field goal percentage
1986: Leads NBA in Rebounding
In the 1986-87 season, Charles Barkley led the NBA in rebounding, averaging a career-high 14.6 rebounds per game. He is the shortest player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounding.
March 4, 1987: Most offensive rebounds in a half
On March 4, 1987, Charles Barkley achieved the record for most offensive rebounds in a half with 13, playing for the Philadelphia 76ers against the New York Knicks.
March 20, 1987: Career-High Rebounds
On March 20, 1987, Charles Barkley recorded 26 points, 25 rebounds (including a career-high-tying 16 offensive rebounds), and nine assists in a win against the Denver Nuggets.
1987: NBA leading effective field goal percentage
In 1986-87 Charles Barkley led the league in effective field goal percentage.
November 30, 1988: 41 Points, 22 Rebounds, 6 Steals
On November 30, 1988, Charles Barkley recorded 41 points, 22 rebounds, five assists, and six steals in a win over the Blazers.
1988: NBA leading effective field goal percentage
In 1987-88 Charles Barkley led the league in effective field goal percentage.
1989: Married Maureen Blumhardt
Charles Barkley and Maureen Blumhardt got married in 1989 after reportedly meeting in the mid to late 1980s.
1989: Finished second in MVP voting
During the 1989-90 season, Charles Barkley finished second in MVP voting behind Magic Johnson despite receiving more first-place votes.
1989: NBA offensive rating leader
In 1988-89 Charles Barkley led the NBA in offensive rating.
1989: Birth of daughter Christiana
In 1989, Charles Barkley's daughter, Christiana, was born. He named her after a mall called Christiana Mall in Delaware.
1990: NBA offensive rating leader
In 1989-90 Charles Barkley led the NBA in offensive rating
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.
1991: Wore number 32
During the 1991-92 season, Charles Barkley wore number 32 instead of his usual number 34 to honor Magic Johnson, who had announced he was HIV-positive. He also apologized for making light of Johnson's condition.
1991: Barkley Collaborates on Autobiography "Outrageous"
In 1991, Charles Barkley and sportswriter Roy S. Johnson collaborated on the autobiographical work "Outrageous." Barkley later quipped that he was misquoted in his own autobiography due to editorial choices made by Johnson.
1991: Named All-Star Game MVP
In 1991, Charles Barkley was named the NBA All-Star Game MVP.
July 17, 1992: Traded to the Phoenix Suns
On July 17, 1992, Charles Barkley was officially traded to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Jeff Hornacek, Tim Perry, and Andrew Lang.
1992: The "Dream Team"
In 1992, Charles Barkley was a member of the United States Olympic Basketball team that was nicknamed "Dream Team".
1992: Trade to Phoenix and Olympic Gold
In 1992, Charles Barkley was traded to the Phoenix Suns and also played in the Summer Olympics. International rules were changed, allowing NBA players like Barkley to compete in the Olympics for the first time, he joined the 'Dream Team'.
1992: Won Gold Medal in Olympics
In 1992, Charles Barkley won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. national team at the Olympic Games.
1992: Olympic Gold Medal with the 'Dream Team'
In 1992, Charles Barkley won a gold medal as part of the United States men's basketball team, known as the "Dream Team", at the Summer Olympics. The team dominated, averaging an Olympic record of 117.3 points per game, with Barkley leading the team in scoring with 18.0 points per game.
June 5, 1993: Most free throws made in a half
On June 5, 1993, while playing for the Phoenix Suns against the Seattle SuperSonics, Charles Barkley made a record of 19 free throws in a half.
1993: Barkley Hosts Saturday Night Live
Charles Barkley hosted Saturday Night Live for the first time in 1993. He hosted the show on four separate occasions between 1993 and 2018.
1993: Role Model Controversy
In 1993, Charles Barkley declared that sports figures should not be considered role models, stirring national controversy.
1993: NBA MVP Award
In 1993, Charles Barkley earned the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
1993: Voted League MVP and led the Suns to the NBA Finals
In 1993, Charles Barkley was voted the league's MVP while leading the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals.
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.
1993: McDonald's Open MVP and NBA Season
In 1993, despite back pains, Charles Barkley won the McDonald's Open in Germany and was named the tournament's MVP. In the NBA, he averaged 21.6 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, securing a spot in his eighth consecutive All-Star Game, although he couldn't play due to a torn quadriceps tendon.
1995: Considered running for Alabama governor
In 1995, Charles Barkley considered running as a Republican candidate for Alabama's governorship in the 1998 election.
1995: Final Season with Phoenix Suns
In the 1995-96 season, Charles Barkley played his last season with the Phoenix Suns. He led the team in scoring, rebounds, and steals, averaging 23.3 points, 11.6 rebounds. He earned his tenth All-Star Game appearance and achieved his 18th career triple-double on November 22. He became the tenth player in NBA history to reach 20,000 points and 10,000 rebounds in their career.
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.
1996: Leads Dream Team in Scoring and Rebounds
At the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games, Charles Barkley led the team in scoring with 12.4 points and in rebounds with 6.6 rebounds per game, securing another gold medal with a perfect 8-0 record.
1996: Barkley Appears in Space Jam
In 1996, Charles Barkley played himself in the film "Space Jam."
1996: The United States Olympic Basketball team
In 1996, Charles Barkley was instrumental in helping the United States Olympic Basketball team compile a perfect 16-0 record.
1996: Won Second Gold Medal in Olympics
In 1996, Charles Barkley won his second gold medal as a member of the U.S. national team at the Olympic Games.
1996: Second Olympic Gold Medal
In 1996, Charles Barkley won his second gold medal at the Atlanta Summer Olympic Games as a member of the United States men's basketball team.
1996: Named to NBA's 50th Anniversary Team
In 1996, Charles Barkley, as part of the NBA's 50th Anniversary, was honored as one of the 50 greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA's 50th Anniversary Team.
1997: Injury-Plagued Season with the Rockets
The 1997-98 season was marked by injuries for Charles Barkley. He averaged 15.2 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. The Rockets were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Utah Jazz.
1998: Considered running for Alabama governor
In 1995, Charles Barkley considered running as a Republican candidate for Alabama's governorship in the 1998 election.
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.
December 8, 1999: Ruptured Quadriceps Tendon
On December 8, 1999, Charles Barkley seemingly ended his career prematurely at the age of 36 after rupturing his left quadriceps tendon in Philadelphia.
April 19, 2000: Final Game and Retirement
On April 19, 2000, Charles Barkley returned for one final game against the Vancouver Grizzlies, scoring a memorable basket before retiring, marking the end of his sixteen-year Hall of Fame career.
2000: Retired from 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.
2000: Barkley Writes Foreword for Rick Reilly's Book
In 2000, Charles Barkley wrote the foreword for Sports Illustrated columnist Rick Reilly's book "The Life of Reilly", including a humorous quip about throwing Reilly through a plate glass window.
2000: Studio analyst for TNT
Since 2000, Charles Barkley has served as a studio analyst for Turner Network Television (TNT), appearing on NBA coverage during pre-game and halftime shows, and special NBA events.
March 3, 2001: Auburn Retired Jersey
On March 3, 2001, Auburn retired Charles Barkley's No. 34 jersey.
2002: Host of Listen Up! Charles Barkley with Ernie Johnson
From 2002 to 2003, Charles Barkley co-hosted a sports and general topics talk show with guests on TNT called Listen Up! Charles Barkley with Ernie Johnson.
2002: Barkley Releases "I May Be Wrong, But I Doubt It"
In 2002, Charles Barkley released the book "I May Be Wrong, But I Doubt It", which included editing and commentary by his close friend Michael Wilbon.
2003: Host of Listen Up! Charles Barkley with Ernie Johnson
From 2002 to 2003, Charles Barkley co-hosted a sports and general topics talk show with guests on TNT called Listen Up! Charles Barkley with Ernie Johnson.
March 20, 2004: Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor
On March 20, 2004, the Phoenix Suns honored Charles Barkley by including him in the "Suns Ring of Honor" in recognition of his contributions to the team.
2004: Celebrity guest picker for College GameDay
In 2004, Charles Barkley was the first-ever celebrity guest picker for College GameDay.
July 2006: Considering running for Governor of Alabama
At a July 2006 meeting of the Southern Regional Conference of the National School Boards Association in Destin, Florida, Charles Barkley lent credence to the idea of running for Governor of Alabama.
September 2006: Reiterated desire to run for governor
In September 2006, Charles Barkley reiterated his desire to run for governor of Alabama in 2014 and stated he was looking for a house there to satisfy residency requirements.
2006: Advocated for gay marriage
In 2006, Charles Barkley told Fox Sports that he is a big advocate of gay marriage, stating "If they want to get married, God bless them."
2006: Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
In 2006, Charles Barkley was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for his individual career.
July 2007: Declared support for Barack Obama
In July 2007, Charles Barkley made a video declaring his support for Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election.
September 2007: Bought a house in Alabama
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: 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.
2007: Revealed gambling losses
In a 2007 interview with ESPN's Trey Wingo, Charles Barkley revealed that he had lost approximately $10 million through gambling, including $2.5 million in a six-hour period while playing blackjack.
February 2008: Announced candidacy for Governor of Alabama
In February 2008, Charles Barkley announced that he would be running for Governor of Alabama in 2014 as an Independent.
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.
2008: Declared support for Barack Obama
In July 2007, Charles Barkley made a video declaring his support for Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election.
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.
February 19, 2009: Barkley Returns to TNT After Hiatus
On February 19, 2009, Charles Barkley returned to TNT after a two-month hiatus following his DUI arrest, discussing the incident on the NBA pregame show. T-Mobile resumed airing ads featuring Barkley shortly after his return.
November 24, 2009: Began to back off gubernatorial run idea
In a November 24, 2009 interview on The Jay Leno Show, Charles Barkley began to back off the idea of running for Governor of Alabama.
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.
2010: Confirmed he was not running in 2014
In 2010, Charles Barkley confirmed that he was not running for Governor of Alabama in 2014.
2010: Inducted into Hall of Fame with 'Dream Team'
In 2010, Charles Barkley was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the 1992 Olympic "Dream Team".
2011: Expressed support for the LGBT community
During a 2011 Martin Luther King Jr. Day double-header on TNT, Charles Barkley responded to a statement made by Dr. King's daughter Bernice, by expressing support for equality for every man and woman, including the LGBT community.
2011: Barkley Becomes Spokesman for WeightWatchers
In 2011, Charles Barkley became a spokesman for WeightWatchers, promoting their "Lose Like a Man" program in television and online ads.
2011: Studio analyst for NCAA tournament coverage
Since 2011, Charles Barkley has served as a studio analyst for the joint coverage of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament between Turner Sports and CBS.
January 7, 2012: Guest commentator for NFL Wild Card playoffs
On January 7, 2012, Charles Barkley served as a guest commentator for NBC's coverage of the NFL Wild Card playoffs, the same night he hosted Saturday Night Live.
November 2012: Contemplating retirement from broadcasting
In November 2012, Charles Barkley announced that he was contemplating retirement from broadcasting after 13 years, expressing a desire for a new challenge.
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.
2013: Stated that anyone 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: Comments on Russell Wilson accusations
In 2014, Charles Barkley addressed rumors that Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was being accused of not being "black enough" on the radio show Afternoons with Anthony and Rob Ellis.
2014: Reiterated desire to run for governor
In September 2006, Charles Barkley reiterated his desire to run for governor of Alabama in 2014 and stated he was looking for a house there to satisfy residency requirements.
August 2015: Announced support for John Kasich
In August 2015, Charles Barkley announced his support for Republican John Kasich in the 2016 presidential election.
July 2016: Announced hosting of The Race Card
In July 2016, it was announced that Charles Barkley would host a six-episode unscripted show called The Race Card, which was later renamed to American Race.
2016: Planned retirement year
Charles Barkley repeated that he planned to retire from broadcasting in 2016, before signing another contract with Turner Sports.
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.
2016: Announced support for John Kasich
In August 2015, Charles Barkley announced his support for Republican John Kasich in the 2016 presidential election.
May 11, 2017: American Race premiered on TNT
On May 11, 2017, "American Race", a six-episode unscripted show hosted by Charles Barkley, premiered on TNT.
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.
2018: Barkley Hosts Saturday Night Live
Charles Barkley hosted Saturday Night Live on four separate occasions between 1993 and 2018.
2019: Barkley Appears in "The Piña Colada Song" Episode of The Goldbergs
In 2019, Charles Barkley appeared in "The Piña Colada Song" episode of The Goldbergs as a gym teacher and alien conspiracy theorist.
2019: Barkley Expresses Optimism About NBA Restart
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.
2019: Confirmed he would not be running for office
On Lance Armstrong's podcast in 2019, Charles Barkley confirmed that he would not be running for office.
2020: Barkley Discusses COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Impact
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Charles Barkley voiced concerns about the safety of children in schools, arguing that keeping them at home would widen the gap between the rich and the poor. He was also optimistic about the NBA's planned restart in the NBA bubble but worried about players testing positive.
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.
October 2021: Named to NBA's 75th Anniversary Team
In October 2021, as part of the NBA's 75th Anniversary, Charles Barkley was honored as one of the 75 greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team.
2021: Improved performance at American Century Championship
In 2021, after undergoing training to improve his swing, Charles Barkley showed an improved performance in the American Century Championship pro-am tournament.
October 2022: Signed contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports
In October 2022, Charles Barkley signed a 10-year contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, owner of TNT, to remain as an analyst on Inside the NBA.
2022: Expressed support for gay and transgender people
In 2022, a video surfaced of Charles Barkley speaking at an event where he made comments vehemently in favor of the LGBT community, saying "If you're gay and transgender, I love you. And if anybody gives you sh-t, you tell them Charles said 'f--k you.'"
2023: PER in NBA History
As of 2023, Charles Barkley has the 12th highest PER in NBA history and is 14th in win shares.
2023: Intended retirement year
Charles Barkley later stated that he wanted to retire when he turned 60 in 2023.
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".
2023: Co-hosting King Charles on CNN
In the fall of 2023, Charles Barkley began co-hosting a news discussion program called King Charles alongside Gayle King on CNN. It was a limited-run series that aired on Wednesdays at 10pm.
June 2024: Announced intention to retire from television
In June 2024, Charles Barkley announced his intention to retire from television following the conclusion of the 2024–25 NBA season. He later reversed this decision in August, deciding to stay with TNT Sports on his ten-year, $210 million contract.
June 2024: Guest of Game 2 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals
In June 2024, Charles Barkley was a guest of Game 2 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals as a Studio analyst broadcast by ABC, and produced by ESPN.
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