Charles Barkley Was Over the Legal Limit, Has Taken a Leave of Absence from TNT

It was tough to take the recent incident between Charles Barkley and the police seriously, even though it was in fact a DUI arrest. Once the juicy details about what exactly Charles was up to that caused him to run a stop sign and get pulled over were revealed, the whole thing pretty much became a joke. I guarantee you that at this point though, Barkley isn't laughing.

Barkley's immediate career has been placed on hold as a result of the incident, as he will be taking a leave of absence from his broadcasting duties at TNT. Turner Sports president David Levy's comments on the matter are as follows:

"I have spoken with Charles Barkley regarding the incident. ... This is an important time for Charles as he deals with the legal and personal issues that confront him. Charles is a valued part of the Turner Sports organization and we are concerned for his well-being."

You have to wonder if the details of Barkley's comments to the police, combined with the report that his blood alcohol level came back at a ridiculous .149 forced TNT's hand in (undoubtedly) making Charles take this leave. As you may recall, the last time Charles got himself into an embarrassing situation, all that the network required was an awkward, uncomfortable on-camera apology.

More From TMZ: Listen to audio of Barkley's failed sobriety test, and him refusing to take a breath test for police.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-09-2009 @ 6:17PM

slumlord0013 said...

Mr. Barkley is an idot,and always has been an idot. I have no idea why the public even cares what this guy thinks or does. If the truth be known he was not that good of a basketball player either. I hope the next person that TNT hires has more class than Mr. Barkley would ever be capable of haveing. I hope this is last that we hear from this sub-moronic idot.

1-09-2009 @ 7:48PM

Brian said...

Charles will be back. This was just a public relations ploy by the NBA & TNT. It is better for Sir Charles (now that he is an admitted alcoholic, he can be knighted by the Queen) to be a recovering alcoholic than a john for a prostitute (see former Governor of NY Eliot Spitzer or Marv Albert). People will be more sympathetic for an iebriate and alcoholism can be the excuse for his gambling, racist comments, and his being a general asshole. Sie Charles will probably do the Oprah interview and Oprah will go after the liquor companies and white racist cops that did this to poor Charles. This will help TNT improve its ratings for its NBA package when he returns in 2 weeks

1-09-2009 @ 8:58PM

Rama said...

I love Charles Barkley. He tells the truth. A rare commodity in this life.

1-09-2009 @ 11:29PM

Stan said...

It's pretty simple...Barkley was bored.

1-10-2009 @ 1:14AM

THE FLASH OF N.J. said...

BOTTOM LINE: THIS IS A PERSON THAT IS BORED W/H ===== LIFE IN GENL=====. AND HAS SEEN WHAT HE WANT TO SEE OF IT.HE NEEDS SOMETHING OR MORE THAN LIKELY SOMEONE TO HOLD ON TOO !!!!!....SHD BE TAKEN OFF THE AIR FOR AWHILE TO REGROUP......

1-10-2009 @ 2:52AM

dashriprock said...

Next it will come out he was targeted because he is Black and that will be his defense. just another case of the man keeping the brother down.

1-10-2009 @ 8:30AM

Frankie said...

Sure it's all fun and game's till someone get's an eye poked out.....

1-10-2009 @ 8:41AM

CK said...

Good, glad he is gone. A bore and a smart a.. racist.

1-13-2009 @ 12:47PM

Tim said...

When did this man deserve the title of Sir? Looking back at his
basketball career, a complete jerk on the and off the floor. Sir
Charles? No, let's try Thug Charles.
I'm a fan of basketball, an IU fan. For years I was a staunch supporter of Bob Knight, but after so many years of his thug type handling of his kids, I was happy to see him leave. With Crean, IU is finally getting it right. I'm a Pacers fan and glad that they are now thug free, even if I have to watch years of rebuilding.
If Thug Charles is dismissed from TNT, then maybe I'll watch their
NBA coverage.

1-10-2009 @ 10:17AM

Bob Z said...

NBA screwed itself wit all da thug playas n they posse's, 'tween da inzident @da All Star game n Vegas wit Pacman @da strip club n de inzidents wit dat crooked ref Tim Donaghy n Kobe Bryant rapin' dat white girl in Colo.

I didn't want to be accused of racism by not writing in ebonics. (To the person who called Charles racist, you obviously do not understand the term racist or racism, feel free to do some research on the subject then you'll understand the group dynamics involved. Charles never comes across as racially prejudiced, that's an inner dialogue you have with yourself and those of your ilk.) To everyone else the entourages that roll with some of the thug players and the Pacman Jones incident at the Las Vegas All Star game along with Tim Donaghy and Kobe's rape incident (alleged), have brought pro basketball to a new low. Sir Charles (and the nickname regards the Old Spice commercials he used to do along with his ability as one of the top NBA players in his prime) was a breath of fresh air. He will be missed. Good luck to him and I hope Charles has a speedy recovery. To you Charles haters, he is more of a man than most of you will ever be by any measure but I'm sure you don't understand that either.

1-10-2009 @ 7:42PM

Richard Detanna said...

WHY WASTE INK ON THIS IDIOT? WHO REALLY CARES?

1-10-2009 @ 2:12PM

GEEDIE said...

WELL HE WILL LEARN HIS LESSON AGAIN GET A GIRLFRIEND DO SOMETHING ELSE WITH HIS MOUTH AND STOP DRINKING....

1-11-2009 @ 2:54PM

Bunny said...

Barkley does have a big mouth..he doesnt know how blessed he really is..so many high paid athletes or ex-players need to realize it can all end in a flash..they need to be more humble ..maybe if Charles comes back he will settle down a little bit and stop being so cocky..i could sit there and make some of the stupid comments that he made..

1-11-2009 @ 11:35PM

gonzo said...

fire his fat azz!!!!! .....

2-23-2009 @ 11:47PM

samonthebay said...

Don't rush to judgment on Sir Charles just yet. Charisma and moxy get you a great deal of traction in this life.
He has both; Whether you agree with im or not, Barkley has stronger insight into this league than any of the other wonks combined.

2-24-2009 @ 10:41PM

murrayf54 said...

I just listened to the Police tape. If Charles ever appears on TV for a Basketball game, I will not watch the game. If he ever appears in a commercial I will change the channel. Charles had enough chances, He is done, Put a fork in him. He needs professional help.
frank