Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Needed Just 2 Words to Snub Nervous Charles Barkley in Their Embarrassing First Exchange: “These Fools Laughing at Me”

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a popular name not just in the basketball world but beyond the confinements of the hardwood as well. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Kareem played 20 seasons in the NBA, winning six NBA championships and earning numerous individual awards along the way. However, Abdul-Jabbar’s impact extends beyond the boundaries of the court. The NBA legend has been a vocal activist against social discrimination and injustices in the country for decades, penning down his strong messages as a prolific author. That is one of the many reasons why another NBA legend Charles Barkley looks up to him as a player and a person. However, recently Barkley revealed that his first interaction with Mr. Abdul-Jabbar was pretty awkward and embarrassing for him.

On his recent visit on the Jimmy Kimmel Show, Charles Barkley talked about different topics. He also touched on the topic of meeting Kareem Abdul Jabbar for the first time and how embarrassing it was. 

Charles Barkley was brutally snubbed when he first met Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

On being asked on the Jimmy Kimmel show how was his first encounter with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Charles Barkley replied, “It was not good”. It all took place on the occasion of an All-Star game. Barkley said that he had never met Kareem before, so his teammates Kevin McHale, Larry Bird and Karl Malone suggested that he should go and introduce himself. Therefore, Barkley walked towards him, planning to make a good impression. He added in conversation with Jimmy Kimmel, “He’s sitting over in the corner by himself with his head down, got a book, and I walk over said, Hey Mr. Jabbar, can I talk to you and he looks up and says, I’m reading…I am like okay.”

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s “I’m reading” was enough to brutally snub an extremely nervous Barkley. He added during the conversation, “And I look back and these fools are laughing at me,” referring to his teammates who set him up for embarrassment. He stated how he didn’t know what to say and said “okay” and just walked away. The encounter might be hilariously awkward but Charles Barkley is definitely still in awe of the legendary Abdul-Jabbar. 

Barkley’s praise for Abdul-Jabbar’s life

Further adding to the conversation, Barkley added how much he respects Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He described him as a “great man” who is much more than just a basketball player. While talking about his first meeting with Abdul-Jabbar, the Philadelphia 76ers legend said “He has led one of the most incredible lives ever. Everyone knows about basketball, but his humanity and these essays he writes, he’s so thoughtful.”

Despite his awkward first encounter with the great player, Charles Barkley built bridges of Kareem’s admiration. And it’s clear that Abdul-Jabbar is a man of great substance and integrity. His legacy as a basketball player is secure, but it’s his work beyond the court that truly sets him apart.