During his playing career, Charles Barkley was a physical specimen. Barkley played in the NBA during one of its most lucrative periods in the 1980s and 90s and established himself as one of the best players in the league at that time.
Chuck was part of the legendary draft class that included Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon. And he went on to become one of the best players in the league over the next few years.
His best stint came in Phoenix, where he won the 1993 MVP award, over Michael Jordan, and led the Suns to the NBA Finals. Jordan had felt he should have won MVP, but Barkley has maintained that he deserved it for the work he had done with the Phoenix Suns that season.
Barkley and the Suns could not conquer the Bulls, as Jordan and Chicago went on to win their third consecutive NBA championship and complete the three-peat. It seemed that Barkley’s career would end without a ring.
He then moved later in his career to the Houston Rockets, teaming up with fellow 1984 Draft class member Hakeem Olajuwon. Their duo, along with the addition of Scottie Pippen, formed a big three that many felt would dominate the league en route to a championship.
That never happened, as all three players were in the latter stage of their career, and couldn’t perform at the level they did earlier. On top of that, issues on the court between Barkley and Pippen derailed the team chemistry. Their rivalry last to this day, with Chuck most recently saying he was tougher than Scottie Pippen.
But Barkley’s time in Houston was not just filled with drama on the court. In 1997, Barkley was arrested for throwing a young man, around 5’2, 110 pounds, through a glass window in Orlando. Apparently, Barkley had some words for the man, who had seemingly provoked ‘Sir Charles’ with some harsh words.
“You got what you deserve. You don’t respect me. I hope you’re hurt.”
Barkley was arrested and posted bond later. He never actually apologized for the action and doesn’t seem to have any regrets. While violence of any degree should be avoided, Barkley believes that he was taking a stand.
Barkley has always been vocal about what he likes and disliked and is more than willing to air his opinion the way it is. And he doesn’t shy away from saying things that could be construed as hurtful. Clearly, throwing the young man through the window is something he felt he had to do.
