“I?ll Never Forget Her Name”: Remorseful Charles Barkley Takes Sting Off 8YO Girl Controversy

There are several wild anecdotes in Charles Barkley‘s life. He owns them and has never been defensive about some of his off-the-court incidents. One episode remains a scar on his early career to this day. But he’s found a way to turn that into an opportunity to do better. He’s a far cry from his angry rookie image now. And it’s all thanks to one young girl who was on the wrong side of Chuck’s temper.

The current Barkley is known for his philanthropy and no-holds-barred commentary. And it’s all because he learned an invaluable lesson over three decades ago.

Charles Barkley opens about an old scar

In 1991, Charles Barkley did something he still regrets. He admitted to the illustrious journalist, Chris Wallace, that he still thinks about his infamous incident when he spit on an eight-year-old girl. At that time, Barkley had many off-the-court incidents due to his foul temper. But none would be as life-altering as what happened in the 1991 game.

An adult unruly fan was hurling racial slurs at the then-76ers star. It escalated into an altercation in the final quarter. Barkley was so incensed, he spat at the fan in anger. Unfortunately, his spittle fell on a young girl by accident. It was unintentional but he was fined and the incident marred his reputation.

Charles reiterated that he regrets letting his anger get the better of him. “I was an angry young kid. I was mad. Every time I stepped on the basketball court, I was just an angry young man. And that night, I learned a lesson.“

32 years later, he admits that incident made him a better person.??Like if you keep hanging on, if you?re on the edge of the cliff, it ain?t a matter of if ? it?s just a matter of when you?re gonna fall off. And that was I never forget her name. Lauren. I?ll never forget her name. And she was great to me,??he told Wallace.

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Barkley confirmed that he became friends with the girl, Lauren, and her family. There are apparently no hard feelings and the family remains gracious with him.

Chuck is a changed man

In the present, Charles Barkley is known as a magnanimous philanthropist. He’s a vocal advocate for social causes and also has a vow to donate at least $1 million to charity annually.

Notably, he’s altered his will to include his alma mater, Auburn’s students, as beneficiaries. Lauren played a huge part in redirecting Chuck’s focus. He referred to the spitting incident as the “turning point for his anger.” He admits that if it was his lowest point and if it didn’t happen, he wouldn’t have changed.

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By Barkley’s account, this was a personal triumph for him. How do you feel about his personal development?