That same year, in his aptly named autobiography, "Outrageous," he cited the shortcomings of some league players, including teammates. In 1991, he suggested that the 76ers would retain Dave Hoppen because the club didn't want an all-black team, igniting a racial firestorm in Philadelphia. "That makes the game easier for me," he said, "because I'm always relaxed."īarkley's impulsive manner created waves, though the media and many fans liked his frankness and humor. In the NBA, Sir Charles frolicked with team mascots during timeouts, berated referees and chatted up cheerleaders. "I just, more or less, tend to eat all the time." "I really don't eat that much," said the 6-foot-4½ Round Mound of Rebound, whose playing weight fluctuated between 250 and 280 pounds in college. He blew kisses to opposing fans while at Auburn and grinned when they'd poke fun at his eating habits by delivering pizzas to the court. "He's an emotional player, and that emotion is what makes him great."īarkley, whose all-star career ended in 2000, rarely saw moderation as part of his game, or his life. "With Charles, you've just got to accept the whole package," said his Philadelphia 76ers coach, Jimmy Lynam. They learned to live with his outbursts that often led to technical fouls and fines. They marveled at his deft touch, his extraordinary rebounding skills - he averaged 10 or more rebounds a game in 15 of his 16 NBA seasons - and his clutch play. His coaches, for the most part, loved him. The wide-bodied forward left no room for middle ground.Ĭharles Barkley, chosen fifth in the 1984 draft by the 76ers, was named to the NBA all-rookie team. You either enjoyed Barkley's rough and tumble basketball style and his shoot-from-the-hip mouth, or you hated it. The approval meter always had two ends and no center, just the way Charles Barkley liked it. I wish I could say what he says," says Wayne Gretzky on ESPN Classic's SportsCentury series.
"My idol a lot of times is Charles Barkley. Barkley played with passion, loved attention
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