“Pay Us Millions and Millions of Dollars To Play a Stupid Game”: Impatient Charles Barkley on Fulfilling His Duty to the Fans

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ByRanjitha Ramesh

Apr 8, 2023 | 6:10 AM EDT

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Charles Barkley is renowned for his affable personality and ability to connect with his fans both on and off the basketball court. Despite his fame and media attention, he values his fans and makes an effort to keep them entertained. Barkley knows the value of involving and entertaining his audience because he appears on the beloved TV show “Inside the NBA”. The 1993 NBA MVP recently opened up about fulfilling his duty to the fans.

Even after hours, Barkley is willing to sign autographs and take selfies with his fans, showing how devoted he is to them. He has remained a beloved figure in the basketball community for decades in large part because of his ability to engage spectators and add fun to the game.

Charles Barkley fulfills his responsibility

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Charles Barkley recently appeared on the Dan Patrick Show where he talked about many things, including his philosophy of giving autographs to fans, his relationship with Michael Jordan, the NBA Playoffs, and so on. The host Dan Patrick asked Charles about his philosophy for when people want autographs from him. He responded that signing autographs for fans is a player’s responsibility because they are a crucial component to their success. However, Barkley said that there are proper and improper times to sign autographs.

He had a passionate response in hand. He said, ” These guys, these people pay us millions and millions of dollars to play a stupid game to take a couple minutes. First of all, it has to be quick.”

Barkley continued, “Hey, I don’t want to hear no stories. No no. Yo man, give me the paper, let me sign it. Yeah, I you know I don’t want to hear the stories. I don’t care so so that’s to me it’s the only time it’s a problem. I don’t want to hear no stories. Just tell me hey give me the paper and I sign it.”

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The Chuckster’s rift with Michael Jordan

In the same interview, Charles Barkley was asked about his situation with Michael Jordan. The host asked whether Barkley had heard from Jordan yet. Chuckster replied, “I love Michael like a brother. He’s doing great, I’m doing great. He got mad at me. It’s no big deal. But it’s unfortunate. But man I wish him nothing but the best. I hope he’s doing great uh but hey it’s unfortunate.” He also clarified that he hadn’t referred to Michael as “not a good owner.” Charles said, “Well I didn’t say he wasn’t a good owner. I said he didn’t have good enough people around him”

Even though Barkley and Jordan were good friends, the 11-time All-Star was honest about their friendship, saying that he would not give His Airness a “hall pass.” Regardless of who they are or how they are related to him, Barkley takes satisfaction in being open and truthful with everyone.

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Watch This Story: Just Days After Charles Barkley’s Demand, Michael Jordan Gets Asked For Another Public Apology By His Harshest Rival

In his 23 years in the league, he has mostly been neutral and fair, never displaying a preference for any one player or person. Do you agree with Barkley’s take? What are your thoughts?