Charles Barkley, once basketball’s version of Will Smith, weighed in on the recent Oscars controversy saying that it was “funny” when Hollywood complained about lack of diversity.
Charles Barkley, once basketball’s version of Will Smith, weighs in on the Oscars Debacle. He believes that it is “ridiculous” to think that a white man can win an Oscar for playing a black man and he also says that it would be “absurd” if someone won an award for playing a woman.
Charles Barkley acknowledges that he has made some mistakes in his life. He didn’t come on stage and punch the Oscars host in front of millions of people. His antics have been limited to a smaller audience.
During a recent visit on the Dan Patrick Show, Barkley and Patrick touched on the notorious incident last weekend, when Will Smith took issue with a joke about his wife made by the awards show’s emcee, Chris Rock. Smith is “100% wrong,” according to Barkley, for his behavior.
Barkley is well aware of the situation. He hasn’t yet decked someone in front of a national television audience, but he has had his fair share of Smith-like incidents.
On and off the basketball court, Charles Barkley had his share of memorable moments.
On July 6, 2021, in Big Sky, Montana, Charles Barkley watches Capital One’s The Match at The Reserve in Moonlight Basin. | Getty Images/Dylan Buell for The Match
Along with his basketball skills, Barkley is known for saying in a Nike commercial in 1993, “I am not a role model.”
In the controversial commercial, he said, “I am not a role model.” “I’m not compensated for being a role model.” On the basketball court, I’m paid to cause mayhem. Parents should serve as role models for their children. It doesn’t mean I should parent your kids just because I can dunk a basketball.”
Professional athletes are idolized by children, whether he is correct or incorrect. Barkley is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and was an 11-time NBA All-Star. On and off the basketball court, he’s had some unpleasant events.
When Barkley spit on a little girl during a game against the New Jersey Nets in 1991, he was dismissed. Barkley accidently spit on a little girl sitting beside him after a supporter reportedly taunted him with racial insults. Other off-court confrontations occurred, according to The New York Post, including a time when he was detained for hitting a guy after a game with the Milwaukee Bucks.
“Four or five times,” Barkley said Patrick, he had been arrested.
Charles Barkley said that Will Smith was incorrect, just as he was.
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When Barkley appeared as a guest on Dan Patrick’s show this week, Patrick joked that Barkley could host the Oscars next year so there wouldn’t be any issues with people storming the stage.
“Handling that circumstance would be a lot of strain, brother,” Barkley added. “Listen, I’m a huge Chris Rock fan. Will Smith is one of my favorite actors. Will was completely incorrect. Let’s just leave it at that for now. I don’t want to add to the confusion. I like Chris Rick and Will Smith, but Will Smith was completely incorrect. That’s all there is to it.”
Barkley’s playing days were then brought up by Patrick.
“However, you’ve had occasions where someone said something to you while you were playing,” he remarked.
Barkley said, “Yeah, and I was incorrect.” “I believe I’ve been arrested for striking someone four or five times.” I was mistaken. Dan, it’s OK to confess you’re mistaken. I was mistaken. I believe I’ve been arrested four or five times in my life. I’m not sure off the top of my head, and I was incorrect the first time I tried it.
“It was an exaggeration.” It’s part of our work to get heckled and have people say foolish things to us. I was 25, 26, and I thought I was an idiot for overreacting. Grow up until someone physically attacks you.”
Turning the other cheek, according to Barkley, is the greatest choice.
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Barkley has matured much since his playing days. He’s still one of the most vocal people you’ll ever meet. In every scenario, he’ll tell it like it is.
Barkley is well aware that sportsmen and celebrities are easy targets. He’s simply become better at dealing with things as he’s gotten older.
When hecklers attack sportsmen and celebrities, Patrick believes it must be difficult for them to keep their mouths shut. He’s sat courtside at games and can hear what’s going on, he claimed.
“Listen, you just turn the other cheek until they go personal,” Barkley remarked. “The majority of the supporters are fantastic. I’ve told you this before. Ninety percent of the audience is fantastic. Ten percent of them are jerks who are envious of your success and are angry at you, but you have to turn the other cheek.”
RELATED: Charles Barkley Always Says What He’s Thinking, But Writing It Down Is a Different Story
