Vociferous former NBA star and TNT basketball analyst Charles Barkley said he believes the perception of his “controversial” and “outspoken” nature is due at least in part to his skin color.
The “Round Mound of Rebound” joined fellow former pro athletes Channing Crowder, Fred Taylor, and Ryan Clark, all of NFL fame, who host The Pivot Podcast to relate stories of his career and life.
Recalling that Barkley has never been one to shy away from a fracas whether on or off the court, Taylor observed, “You’re very outspoken.”
Barkley replied, “It’s weird you say that cause every time I hear that, I’m like –”
“No, but the question really is, I wanted to ask you, is it more that you’re opinionated or does it tread along the lines of being controversial?” Taylor rephrased.
“It has something to do with race to be honest with you,” Barkley admitted. “Because I hear that all the time and I’m like ‘Wait, I don’t think I’m saying things I don’t hear other people say.’ But I think they throw those code words, ‘outspoken,’ and ‘opinionated’ when they’re talking about brothers on television, cause I think some of the white guys say the exact same things that I say, and they’re considered experts.”
“Hold on a second,” Barkley continued. “Why do you call me controversial or outspoken? I’m saying the same thing that these other guys are saying, but to me, they use those code words when they’re saying stuff like that. And that always makes me laugh because I don’t think I’m controversial. I saw somebody say exactly what I said yesterday — today, but you throw those code words at me. I just laugh about it because I’m gonna be a straight shooter. That’s what’s really important.”
One of the more notable past instances of Barkley’s opinionated constitution occurred in June of 2021 during a phone-in appearance on the “Grant and Danny Show” on 106.7 out of Washington, D.C. when Sir Charles went after the scourge of cancel culture.
“The PC people are out overboard right now,” Barkley said. “I can’t imagine you guys doing a show every day, how crazy it is for you. Like, it’s gotten so out of hand right now, I couldn’t imagine having to watch myself — you can’t even have fun nowadays without these jackasses trying to get you canceled and things like that.”
“All we ever talk about behind the scenes now is ‘yo man, be careful going in this direction,’ — we can’t even have fun anymore,” Barkley said, referring to his co-hosts on the show. “We’ve had fun all these years, and now all of a sudden in the last year and a half, everybody’s trying to get everybody fired and it really sucks.”
He also ripped the Democratic Party’s “defund police” movement in 2020, remarking at the time, “We really need to be careful. I hear these fools on TV talking about defund the police and things like that.”
He continued, “Because you know who ain’t gonna defund the cops? White neighborhoods and rich neighborhoods. So, that notion they keep saying that, I’m like, wait a minute, who are black people supposed to call, Ghostbusters?” Barkley asked.
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Frank (Chip) Webster is a musician and composer, former teacher of percussion and U.S. Army Infantry veteran. He holds a degree in English from Arizona State University.
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8 thoughts on “Charles Barkley claims ‘code words’ are used to describe his ‘controversial’ persona because he’s black”
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I get so tired of the “BLACK” excuse!
Isn’t he the same blackerball player who sayd he should get a vaccine before the elderly and sick because he was famous,,,I may be wrong but I don’t think so,,,,,,,FJB,,,,,,,
sympl1
I got up to pee in the middle of the night and stubbed my toe on my bed frame. Clearly it was because I am black! 😣
Hire or engage a black person in America and wait for the race card or lawsuit. It’s that simple
There is only one code word that fits him. and that is stupid!
Get that chip off your shoulder Chuck, and put the race card where the son don’t shine. You are controversial and argumentative. You questioned and worked the refs more than most, and you’re a bit of a know it all in your, now, professional life. Humility is an attribute.
Sorry to burst Barclay’s bubble, but he would still be an asshole if he were white. He is the living embodiment of MLK’s dream, he is being judged by the content of his character, or lack thereof, not by the color of his skin
Barkley is always entertaining. It is so tireing to listen to the usual talking heads on TV. I never watch ESPN but do see Barkley in other places and he is always worth watching. I believe he is right about the “code” words but I think it is more because he is actually one of a kind than it is about race. Think of how many adjectives were used to describe Howard Cosell! Controversial or outspoken would have been the least of them!