“Charles Barkley Would’ve Been In Jail”: NBA Legend Reveals Insider Exploits of Second Dream Team

The Dream Team II lived up to the expectations when they won the gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. People saw players like Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, Gary Payton, Grant Hill, Reggie Miller, and Mitch Richmond assemble, combining their strengths to dominate in Atlanta. Furthermore, it was a fun time for everyone involved. Who wouldn’t enjoy themselves when Shaq and Barkley are on the same roster? However, not all of their antics were captured on cameras. And that is what probably saved Barkley from getting caught.

NBA legend Mitch Richmond recently shared some interesting stories about how some of the most talented and unique players were put together in 1996. In the latest episode of All The Smoke Podcast, he reminisced on those days playing alongside Charles Barkley and how the 76ers legend would have been in jail if all the things were captured on camera. “We had a lot of fun, and back then now, if they had cameras back there I mean, all bad. The same s**t. All bad, man. Charles [Barkley] would have been in jail.”

While the host, Matt Barnes, laughed at his comment, it turns out Richmond wasn’t joking after all. To top it off, the 1989 Rookie of the Year had quite a hilarious and unconcerned attitude about it too.

READ MORE: Showing No Pain Over “Broken Spirit” in 1999, Charles Barkley Recounts on “Traumatic” Reality

Mitch Richmond shares Charles Barkley’s nonchalant attitude

Speaking of the fun they had amidst the practice and day-offs, Richmond recalled how the team once almost got in trouble. Reminiscing one of their rendezvous, the players got into a slight physical altercation. And Barkley is someone who likes to settle things squarely. So, he faced it head-on by giving back some hits for the one he received.

“We went out somewhere and Charles, he was always a friendly guy, he’ll talk to anybody. But then when you disrespect him, that guy got a little too drunk and Charles hit him a little bit.” Not only that, but Chuck was also unabashed when they got the warning from the police the next day.

“I can remember the police saying that, ‘Hey listen, you guys got to watch yourself. You got to be able to walk away’ and I remember Charles said, ‘Well y’all gonna be right back here tomorrow cuz if somebody gets in my face I’mma hit him again and we gonna keep doing it’,” Richmond detailed the hilarious story as he laughed with Matt Barnes.

While speaking of the 1996 Dream Team, one can only think of legendary players who made the nation proud. They were the most talked about team before the Redeem Team emerged in 2008. This was quite a refreshing story to hear about the Philadelphia 76ers legend. What is your take on this? 

READ MORE: Charles Barkley Calls Him ‘Street Clothes’!?”: Stephen A. Smith Gives Anthony Davis an 8-word Nickname Amidst LeBron James’ Olympics Team Rumors