Charles Barkley Comes Clean on Why He Didn’t Return 7x MLB All-Star’s Memorable Gesture

MLB player Bryce Harper has always shown love to his fellow Philly stars. The 7x All-Star once made headlines for sporting ex-Philadelphia 76ers player Patrick Beverly’s jersey at Game 7 of the National League Championship series. Now, once again Harper sent his jersey to Philadelphia 76ers legend Charles Barkley. It was an autographed jersey! While Beverly made sure to give a shout-out to Harper for the tribute, Chuck couldn’t reciprocate the sweet gesture for one reason. This particular reason has been an issue that has also concerned the fans for quite some time.

Barkley said that he was unable to send his jersey to Harper because there weren’t any available anymore. “They don’t even make my jerseys anymore..I’m telling you, I can’t get into Barkley’s jerseys…Got my little bitter thing going on,” Barkley noted in the latest episode of The Steam Room Podcast after his co-host Ernie Johnson asked him about it.

However, before that, he praised Harper for sending the thoughtful gift to him. “Gotta give a shout out to Bryce Harper. He sent me an autographed jersey. Bryce, thank you very much,” Barkley said in the same podcast.

Last year in October, the Philadelphia 76ers introduced their brand-new city edition jerseys for the 2023-24 season. Harper wore Beverly’s jersey from this particular edition. The point guard reciprocated the love by wearing a Phillies-themed jersey before the 76ers’ clash against the Portland Trail Blazers. Harper was also seen sporting a super cool Allen Iverson graphic t-shirt earlier that month. So, it’s no wonder that he sent his jersey to Chuck. But is there any truth in what Sir Charles claimed?

Charles Barkley refused to be in NBA 2K series

While Johnson argued that there are still many of Barkley’s jerseys available, Chuck argued otherwise. His fans have also previously claimed that Barkley’s jerseys are the hardest to find. Many take to their social media to ask for sources that provide genuine Barkley jerseys. Furthermore, another thing that didn’t sit well with fans is Chuck’s absence in the game 2K. Barkley and Reggie Miller are some of the NBA veterans who didn’t feature in the game. 

Barkley later revealed that this was because the company refused his request to donate to the Retired Players Association. In an interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Barkley shared, “I’m still not there. I told them [if] they gave me X-amount of money, not give it to me; give it to the retired players, I’d appear in their video game. They haven’t done it, so I’m not in there.”

If indeed there is a lack of Barkley’s jerseys in the market, what do you think could be the reason? Is it the same compensation issue? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.