“She Used to Get So Mad: Despite Amassing List of Accolades, Charles Barkley Was Once Accused of “Embarrassing the Damn Family”

Charles Barkley is often criticized for not having won a title during his 16-year playing career. He has, nevertheless, spent his entire life being seen as a comic figure. Even his sporadic altercations with fellow Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal on live television are well-received by viewers.

Barkley, now a widely recognized Hall of Famer and an NBA legend, didn’t have it his way when he was still active in the game. At the time, within his family, he was accused of shaming the family name with his style of play.

Charles Barkley

In a recent interview with Golden State Warriors departing GM Bob Myers, Barkley touched on various topics but the most intriguing had to be the story behind his excellent rebounding skills. Myers in curiosity asked explicitly about a quote that said, “If you didn’t get a double-double, you’re a damn embarrassment to the family.” Chuck shared the story about his strong-willed grandmother. He described her as a strict and tough person who didn’t tolerate any nonsense.

Barkley recalled receiving phone calls from her, whether he was in college or even in the NBA, scolding him for not getting enough rebounds in a basketball game. His grandmother believed he should always strive for double-digit rebounds. Chuck said, “My grandmother was the father, general, and soldier, she was hard.” He added, “She didn’t take any BS off anybody, and she thought she was a player-coach. I’d get a phone call, whether I was in college, or even in the NBA, ‘Boy, you embarrassing this damn family, how the hell can you play a whole basketball game and not get 10 rebounds.'” 

He admitted that it was her constant criticism that got him to the NBA as a rebounding specialist. He stated, “She used to get so mad at me.”

Read More: Showing No Pain Over “Broken Spirit” in 1999, Charles Barkley Recounts “Traumatic” Reality

Chuck competed in an era of invincibles

Barkley after being drafted 5th pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1984, competed in an era that included basketball legends like Michael Jordan, Isiah Thomas and Karl Malone. Despite his remarkable skills and talent, Barkley was unable to win an NBA championship during his career. This was a disappointment for him, as he faced tough competition from some of the greatest players of all time. However, Barkley’s impact on the game and his individual achievements still earned him a place among the basketball greats.

Now it seems that the 1992 MVP’s grandmother elevated his career in rebounds as he maintained his dominance despite facing fierce competition from NBA legends like Michael Jordan, Isiah Thomas, and many more, particularly in the rebounds. With a stellar career average of 22.1 points, 11.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists, the Hall of Famer retired.

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