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. Barkley's accomplishments include being an 11-time NBA All-Star, 11-time All-NBA Team member, and the 1993 NBA MVP. He was also named to the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams, solidifying his legacy as one of basketball's greats.
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 a television analyst for TNT and CBS Sports.
1967: Chamberlain's All-Star Rebound Record
In 1967, Wilt Chamberlain recorded 22 rebounds in an All-Star Game, a record that Barkley would later tie in 1991.
1974: 76ers Miss Playoffs
In the 1974-75 season, for the first time since then, the 76ers failed to make the playoffs; this happened in 1988 when Barkley was on the team.
1976: Suns' Previous NBA Finals Appearance
In 1976, the Phoenix Suns made their first NBA Finals appearance, before Barkley led them to their next appearance in 1993.
1983: 76ers' Championship
In 1983, the Philadelphia 76ers won the NBA championship, prior to Barkley joining the team in 1984.
1984: First NCAA Tournament Appearance
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 as the fifth pick in the first round.
1984: Barkley Cut from Olympic Team
In 1984, Charles Barkley was invited by Bob Knight to try out for United States men's basketball team for the Summer Olympics, but he was cut because of poor defense.
1984: Olympic Team Tryouts
In 1984, Charles Barkley was invited to the spring tryouts for the U.S. Olympic team, but was ultimately cut from the team.
1984: SEC Player of the Year
In 1984, Charles Barkley was named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Year.
1985: All-Rookie First Team Selection
In 1985, Charles Barkley was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
November 4, 1986: Career-High Assists
On November 4, 1986, Charles Barkley recorded a career-high 14 assists, along with 34 points and 10 rebounds, in a game against the Indiana Pacers.
1986: Barkley leads the league in rebounding
In 1986, Charles Barkley is the shortest player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounding when he averaged a career-high 14.6 rebounds per game during the 1986–87 season.
1986: Barkley Records Most Free Throw Attempts in a Series
In 1986, Charles Barkley recorded 100 free throw attempts in a 7-game series. It was the Philadelphia 76ers vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 1986 Eastern Conference Semi-finals.
1986: Barkley Records Most Turnovers in a Series
In 1986, Charles Barkley recorded 37 turnovers in a 7-game series. It was the Philadelphia 76ers vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 1986 Eastern Conference Semi-finals.
1986: Barkley Stats
In 1986, Charles Barkley was a prolific scorer who averaged 22.1 points per game during the regular season for his career and 23.0 points per game in the playoffs for his career.
1986: League Rebounding Leader
In the 1986-87 season, Charles Barkley led the league in rebounding average, earning his first rebounding title.
March 4, 1987: Barkley records most offensive rebounds in a half
On March 4, 1987, Charles Barkley playing for the Philadelphia 76ers recorded 13 offensive rebounds against the New York Knicks, which is the most offensive rebounds in a half.
March 20, 1987: High Rebound Game
On March 20, 1987, Charles Barkley recorded 26 points and 25 rebounds (tying a career-high 16 offensive rebounds) in a win against the Denver Nuggets.
1987: Barkley Stats
In 1987, Charles Barkley was a prolific scorer who averaged 22.1 points per game during the regular season for his career and 23.0 points per game in the playoffs for his career.
November 30, 1988: Productive Game Against Blazers
On November 30, 1988, Charles Barkley recorded 41 points, 22 rebounds, 5 assists, and 6 steals in a 114-106 win over the Blazers.
1988: Barkley Stats
In 1988, Charles Barkley was a prolific scorer who averaged 22.1 points per game during the regular season for his career and 23.0 points per game in the playoffs for his career.
1989: Runner-Up in MVP Voting
During the 1989-90 season, Charles Barkley finished second in MVP voting, despite receiving more first-place votes.
1989: Marriage to Maureen Blumhardt
In 1989, Charles Barkley married Maureen Blumhardt, after reportedly meeting in the mid to late 1980s, while Barkley was playing for the Philadelphia 76ers.
1989: Barkley Stats
In 1989, Charles Barkley was a prolific scorer who averaged 22.1 points per game during the regular season for his career and 23.0 points per game in the playoffs for his career.
1989: Birth of Daughter Christiana
In 1989, Charles Barkley's daughter, Christiana, was born; she was named after a mall in Delaware.
1990: Barkley Stats
In 1990, Charles Barkley was a prolific scorer who averaged 22.1 points per game during the regular season for his career and 23.0 points per game in the playoffs for his career.
1990: Fight with Bill Laimbeer
In 1990, Charles Barkley was involved in a fight with Detroit Pistons center Bill Laimbeer, resulting in a record fine.
March 1991: Spitting Incident
In March 1991, Charles Barkley stirred controversy when he spat on a young girl while attempting to spit at a heckler.
March 26, 1991: Spitting Incident
On March 26, 1991, during a game against the New Jersey Nets, Charles Barkley spat on a fan, accidentally hitting a young girl, resulting in a suspension and fine.
1991: Outrageous Autobiography
In 1991, Charles Barkley collaborated with Roy S. Johnson on his autobiography, "Outrageous". Barkley later quipped he was misquoted due to Johnson's editorial choices.
1991: All-Star Game MVP
In 1991, Charles Barkley was named the All-Star Game MVP.
1991: Tribute to Magic Johnson
In the 1991-92 season, Charles Barkley wore number 32 to honor Magic Johnson after Johnson announced he was HIV-positive, and Barkley apologized for making light of the condition.
July 17, 1992: Trade 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: Barkley wins gold at 1992 Olympic Games
In 1992, Charles Barkley competed in the Olympic Games and won a gold medal as a member of the United States men's basketball team. During the game versus Angola, Barkley elbowed Herlander Coimbra in the chest and was unapologetic after the game, claiming he was hit first.
1992: Olympic Gold Medal
In 1992, Charles Barkley competed in the Olympic Games, winning a gold medal as a member of the U.S. national team.
1992: Barkley Helps Dream Team Compile Perfect Record
In 1992, Charles Barkley was instrumental in helping the "Dream Team" compile a perfect 16–0 record.
1992: Trade to Phoenix Suns
In the 1992-93 season, Charles Barkley was traded to the Phoenix Suns.
June 5, 1993: Barkley records most free throws made in a half
On June 5, 1993, Charles Barkley playing for the Phoenix Suns recorded 19 free throws made against the Seattle SuperSonics, which is the most free throws made in a half.
1993: First Saturday Night Live Hosting Gig
Charles Barkley first hosted Saturday Night Live in 1993.
1993: Barkley speculates season to be last in Phoenix
In 1993, Charles Barkley began to speculate that the 1993-94 season would be his last in Phoenix due to severe back pains. Despite injury problems, he managed 21.6 points and 11.2 rebounds per game and was selected to his eighth consecutive All-Star Game.
1993: Barkley Earns League MVP Honors
In 1993, Charles Barkley earned league MVP honors. He employed a physical style of play that earned him the nicknames "Sir Charles" and "The Round Mound of Rebound".
1993: Role Model Statement
In 1993, Charles Barkley stirred controversy when he declared that sports figures should not be considered role models.
1993: NBA Most Valuable Player
In 1993, Charles Barkley was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP).
1993: Barkley's "I am not a role model" Nike commercial
In 1993, Charles Barkley's "I am not a role model" Nike commercial prompted national news. The former Vice President of the United States, Dan Quayle, called it a "family-values message" for Barkley's oft-ignored call for parents and teachers to quit looking to him to "raise your kids" and instead be role models themselves.
1993: League MVP and NBA Finals Appearance
In 1993, playing with the Phoenix Suns, Charles Barkley was voted the league's MVP and led the team to the NBA Finals.
1995: Considers Republican Candidacy
In 1995, Charles Barkley considered running as a Republican candidate for Alabama's governorship in the 1998 election.
1995: Barkley's last season with the Phoenix Suns
The 1995-96 season was Charles Barkley's last with the Phoenix Suns. During the season, Barkley led the team in scoring, rebounds, and steals, averaging 23.3 points on .500 shooting, 11.6 rebounds and a career high .777 free throw shooting.
October 25, 1996: Barkley suspended and fined 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.
1996: Barkley Leads Team in Scoring, Rebounds and Field Goal Percentage
At the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games, Charles Barkley led the team in scoring, rebounds, and field goal percentage. In 1996, he averaged 12.4 points on 81.6% field goal shooting, setting a U.S. Men's Olympic record.
1996: Barkley wins gold at 1996 Olympic Games
In 1996, Charles Barkley competed in the Olympic Games and won a gold medal as a member of the United States men's basketball team.
1996: Appearance in Space Jam
In 1996, Charles Barkley played himself in the film "Space Jam".
1996: Barkley Helps Men's Basketball Team Compile Perfect Record
In 1996, Charles Barkley was instrumental in helping the Men's Basketball team compile a perfect 16–0 record.
1996: Second Olympic Gold Medal
In 1996, Charles Barkley won his second gold medal at the Olympic Games as a member of the U.S. national team.
1996: Barkley Honored as One of the 50 Greatest Players of All Time
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 year for Barkley
The 1997-98 season was another injury-plagued year for Charles Barkley. During 1997, he averaged 15.2 points on .485 shooting and 11.7 rebounds per game.
1998: Possible Gubernatorial Election
In 1998, Charles Barkley considered potentially running for Alabama's governorship, having considered a Republican candidacy in 1995.
November 10, 1999: Barkley ejected 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 an altercation.
December 8, 1999: Barkley's season seemingly ends prematurely due to injury
On December 8, 1999, Charles Barkley's season and career seemingly ended prematurely at the age of 36 after rupturing his left quadriceps tendon in Philadelphia.
April 19, 2000: Barkley scores a memorable basket in final game
On April 19, 2000, in a home game against the Vancouver Grizzlies, Charles Barkley scored a memorable basket on an offensive rebound and putback, a common trademark during his career. After the basket, Barkley immediately retired.
2000: TNT Studio Analyst
In 2000, Charles Barkley began working as a studio analyst for TNT, appearing on pre-game, halftime shows, and special NBA events, becoming a key part of the 'Inside the NBA' crew.
2000: Retirement Milestone
In 2000, Charles Barkley retired as the fourth player in NBA history to reach 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 4,000 assists.
2000: Foreword for Rick Reilly's Book
In 2000, Charles Barkley wrote the foreword for Rick Reilly's book, "The Life of Reilly", including a humorous remark about throwing people through plate glass windows.
March 3, 2001: Auburn Jersey Retirement
On March 3, 2001, Auburn retired Charles Barkley's No. 34 jersey.
2002: Listen Up! with Charles Barkley
From 2002, Charles Barkley hosted a sports and general topics talk show with guests on TNT called Listen Up! Charles Barkley with Ernie Johnson.
2002: Release of "I May Be Wrong, But I Doubt It"
In 2002, Charles Barkley released his book "I May Be Wrong, But I Doubt It", which included editing and commentary by his close friend Michael Wilbon.
2003: Listen Up! with Charles Barkley
Until 2003, Charles Barkley hosted a sports and general topics talk show with guests on TNT called Listen Up! Charles Barkley with Ernie Johnson.
March 20, 2004: Barkley Honored by Phoenix Suns
On March 20, 2004, the Phoenix Suns honored Charles Barkley by including him in the "Suns Ring of Honor".
2004: College GameDay Guest Picker
In 2004, Charles Barkley became the first-ever celebrity guest picker for College GameDay.
July 2006: Considers Running for Governor of Alabama
At a July 2006 meeting, Charles Barkley lent credence to the idea of running for Governor of Alabama.
September 2006: Reiterates Desire to Run for Governor
In September 2006, Charles Barkley reiterated his desire to run for governor of Alabama, noting that he could not run until 2014 due to residency requirements.
2006: Advocates for Gay Marriage
In 2006, Charles Barkley told Fox Sports that he is a big advocate of gay marriage.
2006: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Induction
In 2006, Charles Barkley was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for his individual career.
2006: Barkley Inducted Into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
In 2006, Charles Barkley was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in recognition of his achievements as a player.
July 2007: Supports Barack Obama
In July 2007, Charles Barkley made a video declaring his support for Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election.
September 2007: Buys House in Alabama, Declares Independence
In September 2007, Charles Barkley announced he bought a house in Alabama to satisfy residency requirements for a 2014 campaign for governor and declared himself an Independent.
October 2007: Accrued Gambling Debt
In October 2007, Charles Barkley accumulated a $400,000 debt at the Wynn Las Vegas casino, which led to a civil complaint being filed against him in May 2008.
2007: Race against Dick Bavetta
In 2007, Charles Barkley challenged NBA official Dick Bavetta to a footrace at the NBA All-Star Weekend for charity, which Barkley won, contributing to a donation for charity.
2007: Gambling Losses Revealed
In a 2007 interview, Charles Barkley revealed that he had lost approximately $10 million through gambling, including $2.5 million in a six-hour period, but claimed it wasn't a problem as he could afford it.
February 2008: Announced Gubernatorial Run in 2014
In February 2008, Charles Barkley announced that he would be running for Governor of Alabama in 2014 as an Independent.
May 2008: Wynn 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 stemming from October 2007. Barkley promptly paid the casino and vowed to stop gambling.
2008: Support of Barack Obama
Charles Barkley supported Barack Obama in the 2008 Presidential election.
December 31, 2008: Arrest 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 and failing field sobriety tests. He later pleaded guilty to DUI-related charges.
February 19, 2009: Return to TNT After Hiatus
On February 19, 2009, Charles Barkley returned to TNT and discussed his DUI incident and experiences during the first segment of the NBA pregame show, following a two-month hiatus.
November 24, 2009: Began Backing Off Gubernatorial Run
In a November 24, 2009 interview, Charles Barkley began to back off the idea of running for Governor of Alabama.
2010: Admission of Accepting Money from Agents
In 2010, Charles Barkley admitted that he had asked for and received money from sports agents during his time at Auburn University.
2010: Confirmed No Run for Governor
In 2010, Charles Barkley confirmed that he was not running for Governor of Alabama in 2014.
2010: Hall of Fame Induction as Part of '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: Supports LGBT Equality
During a 2011 Martin Luther King Jr. Day broadcast, Charles Barkley responded to Bernice King's statement by supporting equality for all, including the gay community.
2011: WeightWatchers Spokesman
In 2011, Charles Barkley became a spokesman for WeightWatchers, promoting their "Lose Like a Man" program in television and online ads.
2011: NCAA Tournament Analyst
In 2011, Charles Barkley began serving as a studio analyst for the joint coverage of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament between Turner Sports and CBS, broadcasting every Final Four since then.
January 7, 2012: NFL Playoff Guest Commentator
On January 7, 2012, Charles Barkley served as a guest commentator for NBC's coverage of the NFL Wild Card playoffs, while also hosting Saturday Night Live the same night.
November 2012: Contemplated Broadcasting Retirement
In November 2012, Charles Barkley announced he was contemplating retirement from broadcasting after 13 years, expressing a desire for a new challenge.
2013: Supports Zimmerman Acquittal
In 2013, Charles Barkley expressed his agreement with the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the Trayvon Martin shooting.
2013: Comments on Jason Collins Coming Out
In 2013, Charles Barkley stated that anyone who thinks they never played with a gay player is an idiot, in response to Celtics player Jason Collins coming out.
2014: Former Plan to Run for Governor
Charles Barkley had formerly planned to run for Governor in 2014 but later backed off from the idea.
2014: Potential Gubernatorial Campaign
Charles Barkley mentioned potentially running for governor of Alabama in 2014, but he would later not run for governor.
2014: Russell Wilson "Black Enough" Controversy
In 2014, Charles Barkley commented on the rumor that Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was being accused of not being "black enough".
August 2015: Supports John Kasich
In August 2015, Charles Barkley announced his support for Republican John Kasich in the 2016 presidential election.
July 2016: Announcement 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 'American Race'.
2016: Critic of Donald Trump
As early as 2016, Charles Barkley was a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, expressing disgust towards Trump's words and messages during the presidential race.
2016: Planned Retirement
In 2016, Charles Barkley had initially planned to retire, but later signed another contract with Turner Sports.
2016: Supported John Kasich in the Election
In 2016, Charles Barkley supported John Kasich in the U.S. Presidential election.
May 11, 2017: American Race Premieres
On May 11, 2017, Charles Barkley's six-episode unscripted show, 'American Race,' premiered on TNT.
August 2017: Confederate Monuments Controversy Response
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: Criticizes Trump on Kaepernick
In September 2017, Charles Barkley expressed disappointment in President Trump for calling out Colin Kaepernick's kneeling during the U.S. National Anthem.
December 2017: Mocks Trump's Tax Bill
In December 2017, Charles Barkley mocked President Trump's tax bill, stating it benefited the rich and disadvantaged the poor.
2017: Supports Doug Jones
In 2017, Charles Barkley supported Democrat Doug Jones in the United States Senate special election in Alabama and criticized Jones' competitor, Roy Moore.
2018: Fourth Saturday Night Live Hosting Gig
Charles Barkley hosted Saturday Night Live for the fourth time in 2018.
2019: Appearance on 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: 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.
2019: Confirmed No Run for Office
On Lance Armstrong's podcast in 2019, Charles Barkley confirmed that he would not be running for office.
2020: Concerned about Politics in Sports
Also in 2020, Charles Barkley expressed concern that sports were becoming too political.
2020: Opposes Defunding the Police
In 2020, Charles Barkley spoke out against defunding the police, and made comments about the Breonna Taylor case, stating that "I feel sad that this young lady lost her life.", but added that "we do have to take into account that her boyfriend shot at the cops and shot a cop.".
2020: COVID-19 Pandemic Comments
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Charles Barkley expressed concern about the safety of children in schools, suggesting it would be foolish to assume their safety. He also worried about the potential widening of the gap between rich and poor due to children staying at home and shared his optimism, albeit with concerns about positive cases, regarding the NBA's planned restart to the 2019-2020 season in the NBA bubble.
October 2021: Barkley Honored as One of the 75 Greatest Players of All Time
In October 2021, 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 Golf Performance
In 2021, Charles Barkley showed improved performance at the American Century Championship after undergoing training to improve his golf swing.
October 2022: Contract Extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports
In October 2022, Charles Barkley signed a 10-year contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports to remain as an analyst on Inside the NBA.
2022: Speaks in Favor of the 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, declaring his love and support.
2023: Barkley 12th Highest PER in NBA History
As of 2023, Charles Barkley has the 12th highest PER in NBA history and is 14th in win shares.
2023: Targeted Retirement Year
Charles Barkley later stated he wanted to retire in 2023 when he turned 60.
2023: Co-hosting King Charles on CNN
In 2023, Charles Barkley began co-hosting a news discussion program called King Charles alongside Gayle King on CNN, a limited-run series that aired on Wednesdays at 10pm.
2023: Condemns Bud Light Boycott
In 2023, Charles Barkley spoke out against the Bud Light boycott, supporting the brand's endorsements by transgender actress Dylan Mulvaney and condemning the boycotters as "rednecks".
June 2024: Retirement Announcement and Reversal
In June 2024, Charles Barkley initially announced his intention to retire from television after the 2024-25 NBA season, but later reversed this decision in August, deciding to stay with TNT Sports.
June 2024: Guest Analyst for Stanley Cup Finals
In June 2024, Charles Barkley served as a guest studio analyst for Game 2 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals broadcast by ABC and produced by ESPN.
