We all are fully aware that Charles Barkley is completely unafraid to throw his money away. Don't get me wrong -- I am of the opinion that it is his money that he earned, so he can spend it in whatever manner he wants, but it is certainly established that Chuck lacks substantial gambling prowess.
Wild Life of Sir Charles'
Watching Charles Barkley walk the line between controversy and humor has become one of sports' most entertaining pastimes. Check out some of the former NBA star and current TNT analyst's most memorable incidents.
Barry Gossage, NBAE/Getty Images
On the court, Barkley was frequently fined for fights with other players. In 1990, Barkley and Bill Laimbeer were each fined $20,000 (a record amount for the NBA at the time) for a fracas during a playoff game.
Nathaniel S. Butler, NBAE via Getty Images
While Barkley was beloved by fans, he gained fame for his anti-role model stance. "A million guys can dunk a basketball in jail; should they be role models?" Barkley said in 1993, which launched his famous "I am not a role model" Nike ad campaign.
Andrew D. Bernstein, NBAE/Getty Images
As a player, the fiery Barkley had a few run-ins with the law. He was once arrested for breaking a man's nose during a fight after a game with the Bucks, and he once famously threw a man through a plate-glass window after being hit with a glass of ice at a bar.
Orange County Sheriff's Office / AP
After retiring as a player, Barkley joined TNT's "Inside the NBA," where he has become the "butt" of many a joke. Literally. In one skit, Barkley was forced to kiss a donkey's posterior after losing a bet with Kenny Smith.
YouTube
During the 2007 All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas, Barkley famously took part in a foot race against 67-year-old referee Dick Bavetta. Barkley won the race, while Bavetta dove at the finish line and wound up bloodying his knee.
Nathaniel S. Butler, NBAE/Getty Images
Politics? Why not? In February 2008, Barkley announced he would run for Governor of Alabama in 2014. "I don't like the way the Republicans are taking this country. Every time I hear the word 'conservative,' it makes me sick to my stomach," he explained.
Nathaniel S. Butler, NBAE via Getty Images
Barkley recently made headlines after a Las Vegas district attorney said he could face criminal charges if he didn't repay a $400,000 debt owed to the Wynn casino. Sir Charles has since repaid the debt and stated he will quit gambling in the future.
Ethan Miller, Getty Images
Moving forward, the Round Mound of Sound is sure to keep right on rolling. For instance, "Inside the NBA" host Ernie Johnson recently got Barkley to read the words "I'm a dumbass" off a teleprompter while he was filming a fake promo.
Andrew D. Bernstein, NBAE/Getty Images
And all of the national discussion about Barkley's gambling makes it easy to forget that he puts a lot of that money towards worthy humanitarian causes as well. Like, for instance, busboy Christian Abate who has worked at Saloon, a restaurant frequented by Sir Charles, over the last eight years, including full time status since he quit attending Temple University.
During a visit to Saloon last summer, Charles Barkley asked Abate how he was enjoying teaching, and was disappointed to learn that Abate had still not returned to Temple because of problems securing financial aid. Abate, 28, of South Philly, started at Temple in 1997, months after graduating from St. John Neumann High.
Sir Charles told Abate he would like to help him with his tuition, and Abate wasn't sure how to respond. Barkley didn't give him much time, telling Abate that he had the length of Barkley's meal to decide. Abate wisely accepted.
"He's a nice kid," Barkley said of Abate on Friday. "He was working with kids, I loved that he wanted to be a teacher, and I wanted to help him," Barkley told us by phone between stops on a flight to Reno where he was making a speech.(And insert "What a tip!" joke here.) By the way, can I say here and now that I am legitimately worried for the darker side of athletics at this point? Terrell Owens is "saving lives", Adam Jones appears rehabilitated, the Bengals won't take Chris Henry back and now Charles Barkley is spending his gambling money on someone else's tuition.
What's next? Dusty Baker chatting about OBP? ... Oh dear God. Take cover everyone.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
7-23-2008 @ 7:57PM
Di said...
Charles you have always been the man! You rock, dude! I don't care what anyone says about you, you're alright! Thanks for standin' and deliverin'!
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7-24-2008 @ 6:16AM
Brad said...
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7-23-2008 @ 11:06PM
JON said...
,I ALWAYS NEW SIR CHARLES WAS A MAN OF CLASS, CAN HE MOVE TO NJ AND RUN FOR GOVERNOR OF THIS SUCKHOLE STATE
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7-24-2008 @ 6:32AM
Gary said...
Sir Charles,
You are not only entertaining and funny, but a good and kind man that our children should use as a role model. You go, guy!
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7-24-2008 @ 7:15AM
Debbie said...
Thank you Sir Charles for helping out for a good cause. You are the man. May many more follow your lead . Christian , make good on your good fortune from Sir Charles and follow your dreams to the end. What a nice story to read instead of a bad one.
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7-24-2008 @ 7:35AM
billy said...
i like charles because he shoots from the hip.he seems genuine to me.no b.s. a straight bloke.
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7-24-2008 @ 7:47AM
Pam said...
I don't really follow sports. But, I have always liked Charles Barkley and found him interesting. What a wonderful gesture! I so hope Abate takes full advantage of Mr. Barkley's generousity.
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7-24-2008 @ 7:48AM
Sarah said...
A very nice story to read this early in the morning. Is Sir Charles single and available? ISO kind and honest man for this former NYC model.
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7-24-2008 @ 8:04AM
Janis C S said...
Will, although I have a great sense of humor in "real life," at times, I am not quite sure how to read the written word. So, I am assuming here that you are using "sarcasm," right?
If we all had such a heart as Charles Barkley, and felt the need to help those less fortunate than ourselves, this would most definitely be a much better world.
Thank you for bringing this great deed to my attention. Either the liberal news media has not heard about this or decided it was not worthy enough to report, I had no knowledge of it. Keep up the good work.
aj3939
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7-24-2008 @ 8:05AM
Mike F said...
Sir Charles has always been a gentleman. He does a lot without wanting the glory.He is humble and proved it.I always loved seeing him when he played the celtics in Boston.
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7-24-2008 @ 8:05AM
Cherokee said...
It's nice to see a sports figure noted by the media for something other than drugs or spousal abuse. GO CHARLES !
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7-24-2008 @ 8:20AM
russ said...
I challenge other athletes to do the same
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7-24-2008 @ 8:32AM
earl said...
sir charles? give me a break.
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7-24-2008 @ 8:41AM
Patrick said...
Oh my God. Talent and character are not mutually exclusive.
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7-24-2008 @ 8:52AM
Minnie said...
I agree with "russ"... I challenge ALL those althletes who make ridiculous amounts of money to do the same!!!
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7-24-2008 @ 8:54AM
webber said...
We need more Govenors like Charles. C'mon Louisiana vote him in!
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7-24-2008 @ 8:56AM
patsy brooks said...
if barkley ever decides to establish residence in 'bama ....a lot of people, incuding me, would be glad to help in his campaign !!!!!!
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7-24-2008 @ 8:59AM
HARLEY said...
ZCorvetteZO6 ... Maybe you should get an education ... Charles actions are a great role model regardless of race or color ... even more import is that Charles believes he isnt a role model for America's youth ... but that Parents should be childrens role models not pros athletes. I applaud Charles for his kindness and honesty.
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7-24-2008 @ 9:04AM
Tigerlily said...
I like Charles Barkley, I always have...even when he was controvercial. I'm not surprised he did that.
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7-24-2008 @ 9:15AM
kk said...
This is how it should be and not only athletes but hollywood, wealthy politians and the media should help kids go to college. I am a single mother trying to put two kids through college and it is getting VERY difficult. my kids may have to drop out. One big problem is that loans are geting scarce and harder to obtain. I am a property manager and I run credit for those wishing to live in my building. Over the last 10 months I am shocked to see how many people (with good jobs) have defaulted on their student loans. PAY UP LOOSERS so the next generation can get educated!!!!!!
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