“Not going to that rat-infested place out in San Francisco.” Charles Barkley has often been loud and clear about his dislike of San Francisco. Reciprocating the hard feelings, the crowd in attendance during Chuck’s recent appearance on TNT Tip-Off constantly booed the former NBA star. Even when he stated that he actually liked San Francisco and called for help for the homeless in the city, the crowd continued to roar against Barkley. However, this hasn’t deviated Barkley from his noble intent.

“See, I said, ‘Help the homeless,’ and some of these people are so stupid they boo,” Barkley had said on Thursday’s TNT Tip-Off. Now, on the recent episode of Inside the NBA, Chuck decided to take things into his own hands as he has pledged to contribute to an organization that works for the welfare of the homeless.

“I spent the day in a Homeless shelter. The people were amazing. It’s called GILDE… They work so hard over there, and I want to give them a lot of love and some shine… And not only that, I’m gonna donate $250,000 to GLIDE…” Chuck said on Inside the NBA.

For those unaware, GLIDE isn’t just any organization. It’s a well-known force in San Francisco, dedicated to fighting systemic injustices. According to its website, the nonprofit org is committed to creating real change and providing support for those in need.

“GLIDE is on the forefront of addressing some of society’s most pressing issues, including poverty, housing and homelessness, and racial and social justice,” read the website.

Chuck aiding the San Francisco-based-org seems to come across as a gesture of peace. Especially when he recently stated, “I actually like San Francisco, I really do.” But will these words and one act of charity be enough to cover up for the venom that the 11x All-Star has spewed against the city over the years?

“Bunch of homeless crooks”: Charles Barkley has had issues with SF for quite some time now

Barkley has never been one to hold back. And when it comes to San Francisco, he’s made his stance crystal clear—he’s not a fan. Over the years, his blunt takes on the city have ruffled plenty of feathers, and if you’ve been following his comments, you know this isn’t just a one-time thing.

Take his reaction on an episode of Inside the NBA, for example. One of his co-hosts had called San Francisco beautiful, but Barkley wasn’t having any of it. “San Francisco is not a beautiful city” he shot back. “Rats. Cats. Y’all are not gonna make me like San Francisco. No. Nope, nope, nope.” No hesitation, no sugarcoating—just classic Chuck keeping it real.

During last year’s All-Star Game in Indianapolis, too, Chuck had thrown a jab at the city. “Hey Reggie [Miller], if you had a chance to be in the cold or being around a bunch of homeless crooks in San Francisco, which would you choose?” 

So, will Charles Barkley ever patch things up with San Francisco? That remains to be seen. But his recent gesture of charity for the San Francisco-based org can be a good start.