Charles Barkley: Sir Blowhard Adds to His Woes

It is time somebody says it. 

Charles Barkley is a blowhard.  He is a welcher and a liar as of this morning.  His immense popularity is unfortunate because his example is poor. 

Not only is his analysis frequently dead wrong, I have watched as he has abused the other members of Inside the NBA on TNT, especially host Ernie Johnson.

He frequently butchers the English language and tries to use big words that do not make any sense in context. 

He is not the first with bad grammar.  Dizzy Dean had atrocious grammar.  But much like Barkley, his fame and colorful style made up for it until he made a joke about a couple in the stands hugging and kissing during the game. 

Dizzy was taken off the air immediately when he said, “See, he kisses her on the strikes and she kisses him on the balls.” 

What would Barkley have to do in this day and age?  We may be witness to it. 

Everyone seems to know Sir Charles is a big gambler and frequently a big loser. 

That seems to have no effect on TNT which has decided to look the other way.  

But a welcher?   

Welching on a bet does not settle well in any known demographic.    

He has owed $400K to a casino in Las Vegas since October 2007.   That became national news, and few NBA fans are not aware of it. 

So how does one get back in the good graces of his audience and wipe away the stain on his reputation? 

Pay the debt immediately, get on a stool next to your host before a big playoff game, and swear off gambling altogether. 

Problem solved, rep saved.  It will go away. 

But wait!

During the “Charles, we need to talk” interview, he waffled even then, saying maybe he may look at things differently in a year or two. 

Host Johnson's joke at the end fell flat.  "Are you sticking with your prediction that the Hornets will win tonight?" Johnson asked Barkley.

Charles answered in the affirmative, and then Johnson queried, “Wanna bet?” 

Ha ha. 

Nobody needs to hear from me about Pete Rose, or any other athlete who bet himself into all kinds of hot water.   

What makes Barkley really special is the news report this morning:  Turns out Charles’ claim that he has paid the debt to the casino was a lie.

Barkley might be entertaining, but can TNT executives continue turning their heads?