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Reactions: So long, Sir Charles Your reactions to Barkley's abrupt decision to retirePosted: Thursday December 09, 1999 01:25 PM
CNNSI.com asked users what they thought about Charles Barkley's decision to retire following a knee injury. As expected, the submissions ranged from those nostalgic about his career to those who are delighted to see him go. A sampling of the most interesting responses follows:
My most memorable Charles Barkley moment was his series-clinching jumper over David Robinson in game 6 of the 1993 Western Conference Semifinals.
Barkley was a loud, foul-mouthed loser. He bullied people in public and on the court in a way that never earned him respect. He goes down a loser and a pathetic excuse for a professional.
Charles Barkley is an overrated, egomaniac that is a disgrace to sports. He always puts himself in the company of Jordan, Johnson, Bird, etc. -- He couldn't carry their jocks. He was never a team player, never won anything, never displayed a positive image, on and on.
I think the most interesting moment of Sir Charles was when he fought against the Shaq attack. Even though both are outstanding players, sooner or later someone was going to stand their ground against him. Shack does put his shoulder in people all the time. I also understand he is also fouled quit a bit due to his limited free throw shooting ability. This in my mind will be one of the moments that many people will remember about Sir Charles. Good Luck and Best wishes for Charles Barkley.
I heard Charles on an ESPN interview describe how he avoided serious injury or death when he and a lady he was walking home were attacked by three thugs. Apparently, according to Charles, he was escorting a friend's wife home when three men leaped in front of them poised to attack. Thinking quickly as usual, Charles, stripped nearly naked and feigned karate moves while screaming at the top of his lungs. As one thug moved forward, Charles punched him in the face as hard as he could. The man went sprawling backwards landing flat on his back. Confused and frightened, the felled thug got up and fled the scene with his friends sprinting closely behind. Although this must have been really scary for this woman and Charles, picturing this scene in my mind's eye brings a smile to my face. In fact, like Charles, the scene was more than a little humorous.
I'll always remember the way Barkley played during the NBA finals against Chicago. He had come over from Philly and had made Phoenix a winner. Even though they lost the series, there was no doubt that Charles was one of the best players to ever play the game. He was a leader and a winner.
One of my favorite Barkley moments is his interview after his fight with Shaq this year. He had said his grandma had always told him to fight back, and that she would've done the same thing.
When Charles was playing college ball at Auburn, a reporter asked him about whether he was worried about flunking out because of his bad grades. His response was "As long as I'm leading the SEC in rebounding, I don't worry about flunking out."
Charles Barkley has a chance to make the semi-finals and one more series until the finals, with the Suns, and takes the ball with seconds left on the clock. He needs a shot to win the game, against David Robinson he launches the three and it goes through and he goes wild. Charles couldn't believe it and he was loving every minute of it.
I am sorry Barkley was injured, but very glad to see him leave the NBA. He is arrogant, a bad role model, and in my opinion very overrated talent wise. The guy just never had a grasp on his role as a leading sports figure.
Watching Charles Barkley trying to will a talented Suns team to a title against the Bulls was a most invigorating and yet painful time to watch sports. Despite what some people called a bad attitude (and what I termed a funny, opinionated disposition), this man deserved a championship. To watch him pour his heart out, and come up just shy is a moment I will not soon forget. I only wish he had made it to the Rockets earlier, so he could have enjoyed a ring, the only thing missing from one of the greatest (and most colorful)careers in NBA history.
Charles, I know that is a tough way to end your career, but you have won the hearts of many people all over the world because of you straight forward attitude and standing up for the things that you believe in. Good luck and Give 'em hell.
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