Charles Barkley Says 2014 Is His Target to Run for Alabama Governor

Charles Barkley has been conspicuously absent from the media scene lately, but perhaps he's just warming up for the NBA season (tip-off today!!!!!). Or perhaps he's just trying to keep a slightly lower-key profile in anticipation of running for Governor of Alabama.

Which, according to a statement he made to CNN on Monday, he plans on doing in 2014.

"I plan on it in 2014," Barkley told CNN's Campbell Brown on Monday.

When asked if he was serious, the former Philadelphia 76er said, "I am, I can't screw up Alabama."

He added that his native state could only improve. "We are number 48 in everything and Arkansas and Mississippi aren't going anywhere," Barkley said.

There's the Chuck we know and love -- spitting his real talk game at anyone who will get close enough to listen. Of course, he's done the same thing re: running for Governor for several years now, promising that "one of these days!" he's going to finally put his name in the hat.

Personally, I'd like to see him run (and win) if only because it will be enjoyable to watch at its very worst. And while whether or not he actually follows through is an entirely different ballgame, I can almost guarantee you a large portion of Alabama would/will get behind him. Or, alternately, he could just really tick Arkansas and Mississippi off.