At the end of my book, "I'm So OCD," which comes out this April (pre-order HERE!), I thank several people who made a positive impact on my life. There are of course the obvious family member inclusions, but beyond that, there are certain people I look up to in my life that have inspired me to be a good and better person each and every day that I'm not blood-related to.
One of these people is Charles Barkley. "Sir Charles," or just Chuck, turns 60 today. Happy birthday!
In my letter to Dirk Nowitzki, I use Barkley's famous quote about athletes being role models.
In 1993, Barkley said "I am not a role model" in the famous Nike commercial. "Just because I dunk a basketball doesn't mean I should raise your kids,” he added.
He's right, of course. But the irony is that since Barkley retired in 2000, he has become exactly what he said he never was: a role model.
Not because he can dunk a basketball and make millions of dollars. No. He's become a role model because of his genuine, unfiltered, entertaining, hilarious commentary for TNT's Inside the NBA. He has transformed that show, along with host Ernie Johnson, from a postgame highlight factory to one of the most-watched television programs in the entire world.
Whether it's his undying fidelity to Krispy Kreme, his thoughts on the women in San Antonio, his adventures in the steam room, his brutally honest opinions on both sport and society, his brotherhood with Ernie, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O'Neal, or his signature usage of the word "turrible," Barkley has become a fixture in pop culture for any other reason than his hall of fame talents as an athlete.
I hardly watch the NBA anymore, but I am subscribed to the NBA on TNT YouTube channel simply to stay in the know on all things Charles Barkley. He is the ultimate entertainer, not caring what anyone anywhere thinks about anything he says. But he has also quietly become a connoisseur, a trusted voice in a world full of unreliable voices.
Sure, he spouts a lot of nonsense. Some of it can be harsh or cross the imaginary line, but it all comes from the heart - and it's a heart that just wants the viewers to have a good time. Who else would end an episode of television by saying "Good Night America!" than Chuck?
His platform is massive, his words heard all around the globe, and he uses it for good. The "Round Mound of Rebound" has become a force once more, this time a force for good. For spreading laughter and joy and happiness.
Few people prompt me to spit out my drink, get out my phone and record moments off the screen like the Chuckster. So for his 60th birthday, how about a trip down memory lane?
From my cell phone recordings to wherever they may find you on this February 20th, 2023... Happy 60th birthday to Charles Barkley!
Warning: YOU MAY FIND THESE CLIPS
ARE VeRY rANdoM!
Sometime between 2000 and 2010
March 4, 2016
April 26, 2016
April 30, 2016
May 1, 2016
2010: Chuck's First Crack at San Antonio
2016: Chuck Shows My Guy Gordon Hayward Some Love!
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