Charles Barkley the person is a stark contrast from Charles Barkley the player.
On the NBA hardwood, Barkley was a dominant force who played much bigger than his actual height. The Hall of Famer was fearless, relentless on the glass and powerful in the paint. He was a serious competitor who took no crap on or off the court. Nike captured his attitude in the memorable commercial in which Barkley infamously stated, “I am not a role model.”
“I am not a role model,” said Barkley. “I am not paid to be a role model. I am paid to wreak havoc on the basketball court. Parents should be role models. Just because I dunk a basketball doesn’t mean I should raise your kids.”
The 11x All-Star carried that hardened attitude and style of play throughout his 16-year NBA career and fans loved him for it.
But as a broadcaster, Barkley relinquished his hardened exterior and released his humorous side, which has endeared him to sports fans.
When he, Ernie, Shaq and Kenny start talking on Turner Sports “NBA on TNT,” it’s must-see TV. And Barkley’s humor, charm, experience and personal stories are major reasons for the long-running show’s success.
But over the last few years, Barkley’s off-camera activities have shined an even brighter light on Barkley the person, not the celebrity.
Since 2016, Barkley has pledged/gifted $7 million to HBCU schools including Alabama A&M, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Miles College, Tuskegee University, Spelman, and, most recently, Bethune-Cookman.
He’s also become more active in the current political climate. After the Supreme Court gutted Affirmative Action, Barkley changed his will to leave $5 million to Black students at Auburn.
“In my will, I am leaving Auburn $5 million,” Barkley said after SCOTUS’ ruling. “I’m going to change it to be just for scholarships for Black students. That’s just my way of trying to make sure Auburn stays diverse.”
It was a decision applauded by everyone and a move that demonstrated Barkley’s understanding of the social issues plaguing the country.
Then earlier this week, Barkley unveiled his old unabashed attitude from his playing days in defense of the LGBTQ+ community.
In a now-viral video, Barkley bought beer for patrons at a Lake Tahoe bar and unleashed against “rednecks” and “a**holes” who launched a foolish anti-Bud Light movement over nothing.
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