Charles Barkley: a new apology before a new year
Charles Barkley, the outspoken and popular member of TNT's "Inside the NBA" studio show, was arrested early this morning in Scottsdale, Ariz., on a drunk driving charge.
Barkley immediately apologized for his actions in a statement.
What is charming about Charles Barkley is that he apologizes. Early and often.
What is confounding is that he has to apologize so early and often, as he did regarding his gambling debt.
Sometimes he is asked to apologize and doesn't, as when he threw a guy through a window. And sometimes other athletes, such as Scottie Pippen, refuse to apologize for what they said about Charles.
Driving drunk, however, is something that TNT officials should worry about more than the gambling or Barkley's outspoken honesty that brings the show high ratings and attention. Sometimes an apology shouldn't be enough.
-- Diane Pucin
Photo: Charles Barley's booking mug shot. Credit: Gilbert Police Department / Associated Press
Chuckie, I love golf, gambling and gurgling. I also love you man! This world should lighten up. If the problems we suffer were simply confined to this minor beef what would the breaking news clowns do with themselves?
Posted by: wwga4golf | December 31, 2008 at 07:27 PM
"Sometimes he is asked to apologize and doesn't, as when he threw a guy through a window."
Haven't we all been in situations where someone deserved to be thrown through a window?
Barkley is an EveryMan. He's prone to give into his demons as most of us are. And he's one to take full responsibility for his actions.
I'm betting (oops) he'll take it like the man he is and accept whatever comes his way.
You won't hear him blaming this on a bad childhood or parents who weren't there for him.
Posted by: Jack | December 31, 2008 at 07:58 PM
WHY? Why is it those fortunate enough to have a driver don't hire car service when they want to party and drink? If he likes to drink that's his choice; what's not cool is someone else could have DIED because he wanted to get drunk. Thank God that didn't happen and someone's family or his own family isn't going to have a tragic New Year's Eve.
Saying I'm sorry and making pitty statements isn't always going to work. People are going to get tired of this behavior and stop supporting athlethes and celebrities acting out. Why support them when there are other athletes doing things right.
I guess Charles and the other celebs will get it get it when those bad decisions keep them from making money. That's when they will see how fortunate they really were.
Posted by: rose | December 31, 2008 at 07:59 PM
Wow! If we only had minor things to worry about like this in this world. Who hasn't gotten a drunk driving now a days!! Hang in there Chuck!! Like they say....he who hasn't sinned please cast the first stone.
Posted by: Daryl | December 31, 2008 at 08:31 PM
Hmm...Another high profile celeb in trouble for DUI.
No pity party...No excuses...More than likely a high paid legal gun to soften his jail term.
AZ has brutal DUI laws hired gun or not he will pay for his stupidity...
Oh well... too bad Barkley...time to pay the fiddler
Posted by: Ramon | December 31, 2008 at 09:35 PM
Chuck doesn't need to apologies! To whom? To the public? Give me a break. You do the crime you do the time, whatever it is. This notion that celebrities someone owe the world an apology is silly. I wish Chuck had the nerve he used to and tell people to mind their own business. Apologizing for his gambling? Come on, chuck. Who the hell are you apologizing to and why? Remember "I am NOT a role model"? Sure ya do, what happen to that guy? Oh, I guess he someday wants to run for office so he went from a real human with his own convictions to a pandering shell of his former self.
Posted by: ed | January 01, 2009 at 02:18 PM
Charles got problems. Too much stuff. In time I hope he learn that alcohol is not the answer. Too much fun is not the answer. I'm praying for my Brother that he find the peace he needs. Take a break and seek solitude to think.
Posted by: Henry | January 02, 2009 at 11:57 PM
We should tell all the people who have lost family members in accidents caused by drunk drivers to "lighten up."
There is no excuse. If he can't afford a limo he can get a cab. Sheesh.
The worst thing is that he's ruined inside the NBA with his irresponsibility. Magic Johnson is so stone stupid. I don't think Kenny can carry the show. Very disappointing.
Posted by: jane taylor | January 16, 2009 at 04:55 PM