Charles Barkley is under fire for recent comments made during Tuesday night's NBA on TNT broadcast. Encouraged by his colleagues, including Shaquille O'Neal, Barkley made several fat jokes directed at the women of San Antonio, Texas. Several watch groups are demanding an apology from Barkley. This story comes just days after Shaq got heat for bullying a disabled fan on Instagram. You can follow the scandal here.
Several obesity special interest groups are furious after Charles Barkley made several offensive comments during the NBA on TNT Tuesday night. Prompted by co-host Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley went on a spree about overweight women being prevalent in San Antonio (via Think Progress):
"Barkley was prompted by co-host Kenny Smith, another retired NBA player, who asked, 'what kind of women are in San Antonio?'
'Big old women down there,' Barkley replied to extensive laughter from his fellow hosts on Tuesday, who aside from Smith include Shaquille O'Neal and Ernie Johnson. 'That's a gold mine for Weight Watchers.' (Barkley himself is a spokesperson for Weight Watchers.) He later added, 'Victoria's definitely a secret. They can't wear no Victoria's Secret down there,' and 'they wear big old bloomers down there, ain't nothing skimpy down in San Antonio.'
Barkley went on and on as his co-hosts egged him on, asking, 'they have spandex down there in San Antonio?' and 'it's a gold mine - it's a gold mine.'"
You can watch video of the incident here:
[VIDEO]
Leading the charge against Barkley and his cohorts are two obesity special interest groups who are demanding that Barkley to man up and say he's sorry (via TMZ):
The statements are not sitting well with the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance which is now calling for Chuck to apologize, ASAP. Spokesperson Peggy Howell tells TMZ Sports,
'One would think being a black man, he'd be more sensitive to having his physical body criticized. It's totally out of line. He should absolutely apologize.'
The President of the Obesity Action Coalition has also issued a statement expressing 'extreme disappointment' with Charles.
'As a former NBA player and sports entertainment figure, Mr. Barkley should encourage equality and respect among society and not look to shame or segment one population because of their size... Obesity is a serious medical condition and not a joking matter.'
What do you think? Are Charles Barkley's comments harmless or should he apologize? Will he lose his Weight Watchers endorsement? Shouldn't Shaq be a little more careful who he hangs around with these days?
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