NBA analyst and Weight Watchers spokesman Charles Barkley has always been outspoken. Frankly, he has been doing the same San Antonio women spiel for years. While it was never ok, it is understandable that Barkley would dig in his heels now. As the controversy continues, and people continue to watch his program on TNT, Barkley really only benefits from the continued criticism. The fat jokes probably won't stop, and what you're stuck with is the stubborn old man who won't change his ways.
So the San Antonio jokes have really been going on for years (remember, as an NBA player he spent extensive time in the Southwest, namely Phoenix and Houston). Most likely in the news because of the Sterling scandal Barkley has faced recent criticism for his remarks.
Charles Barkley, however, is one of the few public figures in sports or otherwise who consistently speaks his mind and doesn't change his position, even in his face of hostility (via USA Today):
"San Antonio Spurs fans serenaded Charles Barkley with the requisite 'Barkley sucks' chants on Wednesday night, in response to the TNT analyst's continued verbal assault on the city. Barkley heard their complaints, carefully considered the impact of his words, then issued a tearful, formal apology to everyone he offended with his off-color jokes. Kidding. He told them they sucked too."
You can watch the video of Charles Barkley further berating the fans of the San Antonio Spurs here:
Basically Charles Barkley can say whatever he wants because no one is meant to take him seriously. When he was a controversial NBA player the media would often reflexively recoil at his statements because he was a physically dominating black man who made a lot of money and that was and is threatening.
But now most people don't take him as seriously because he is older and now he just seems like a cantankerous old man.
What do you think? Should Barkley's statements be ignored simply because he is out of touch or because they were meant as a joke? Or are they still hurtful?
Tell us your thoughts in the comment field below.
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