Why we’ll forgive Charles Barkley’s DUI arrest

December 31 08

Breaking news mixed with analysis …

Their News: ``Charles Barkley was arrested on suspicion of drinking and driving early Wednesday morning. An officer with a law enforcement task force that targets drunken driving saw the former NBA star run a stop sign around 1:30 a.m., said Gilbert police Lt. Eric Shuhandler.Barkley declined to submit to a breath test but was given a blood test. The results weren’t immediately available.`` (ESPN news services)

Our Very Quick Analysis: Mel Gibson, Paris Hilton, and now Charles Barkley. Yes, Sir Charles` arrest this morning for suspicion of driving under the influence puts him in, well, illustrious company.

If guilty, the Hall of Fame post and award-winning broadcaster showed terrible judgement and should face justice. Whatever happens in the legal courts, this mishap doesn’t stick to The Round Mound of Rebound in the court of public opinion.

We’ve always forgiven Barkley’s indiscretions. As a player, he spat on a fan and threw a bar heckler into a glass window. As a broadcaster, he admitted to losing ten million dollars at the casinos, but claimed not to have a gambling problem.

We simply laughed off these lapses in judgement because Barkley is charming and funny. He reminds us of our lovable, crazy cousin; his mistakes make him relatable and human.

Barkley’s arrest will have little impact on his broadcasting career. After all, former NFL receiver Michael Irvin had numerous brushes with the law and is still employed with ESPN, hosting a talk show in Dallas. Bottom line, the TNT panel, thanks in large part to Barkley’s quick wit, brings in huge ratings. Such success gives him leeway.

But driving under the influence puts innocent bystanders at risk, so Barkley, if guilty, must own this blunder and apologize. He should also find a way to raise awareness on this issue. This would speed up the inevitable: us, once again, forgiving him.

What do you think of Barkley’s arrest? Get at us in the comment box below and return to HoopsVibe the Blog for further NBA Tidbits. Photo courtesy of cra612.

10 Comments: Why we’ll forgive Charles Barkley’s DUI arrest

Posted by

on 01.9.2009

I find it inexcusable that a married man with a daughter, nonetheless, finds this behavior excusable. I personally know his wife and daughter and they are both wonderful people. Anyone who finds humor in this, is just plain mean! .

Posted by
Young Rome Is Burning
on 01.1.2009

Did you hear that Barkley admitted why he was speeding. He was rushing to get oral sex from a woman, that gave him pleasure last week. He said it was the best he ever had and couldn’t wait to get it again. Wow he’s such a cla-------act and role model, (NOT). Former and Current athltetes are overpaid idiots. Less than 5% actually deserve to credited for being "good guys", and lead by example. I’m out! .

Posted by

on 01.1.2009

U SHMUCKS. WE ALL DO STUPID THINGS. CAN WE AFFORD THIS LUXURY? OUR JAILS ARE FULL. PERIOD .AND SO ARE YOU. GO TO VEGAS. .

Posted by

on 12.31.2008

Barkley is crazy whack, yo .

Posted by
Sami A
on 12.31.2008

You can call me dumb, but I believe everybody is a hypocrite at some point or another. We just don’t realize it. .

Posted by
The Joker
on 12.31.2008

Barkley is the Suge Knight of Basketball. Seeing that Pac was killed in Vegas and Sir Charles loves Vegas maybe he’s behind it hmmm.... .

Posted by
Don’t Drink N Drive
on 12.31.2008

What’s the difference between John Daly and Charles Barkley? One can actually golf LOL! Anyway these two clowns are basically the same person just a different color. Yet they always seem to get a pass. If this was like Ron Artest he would be getting bashed as satan right now .

Posted by
O.Sandor
on 12.31.2008

Hi no-name poster. I agree. You can certainly argue that CB is a hypocrite. He throws rocks at others, but, at times, his own house isn’t exactly clean. No doubt about it. Thanks for commenting. .

Posted by

on 12.31.2008

he’s a gambling drunk, who talks about everyone else but doesn’t care himself. .

Posted by

on 12.31.2008

turrrible.... .

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	About Oly Sandor
Daily take on NBA Oly Sandor is an NBA analyst and sports journalist based out of Vancouver, Canada.After years of the free-lance game, Oly Sandor is bringing his unique brand of NBA analysis exclusively to (...) More

Why we’ll forgive Charles Barkley’s DUI arrest

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