The Steam Room is back with more unfiltered Chuck. Over a week since the presidential race was decided in Donald Trump’s victory, Charles Barkley is addressing the situation. His name and past comments were used a lot on social media debates. People even hit up Chuck with commentary hoping to get a reaction out of him. But by Chuckster standards, he held back till the elections passed. Now he’s being a gracious loser in the only way Charles Barkley can.

Addressing Steam Room fans, Charles Barkley said early in the opening he’s an Independent who voted Democrat, but he’s not going to tolerate hate from any faction. Nor is he going to say anything negative about the president-elect.

“I don’t think everybody who voted for Trump is racist or whatever. I’m not a fan of the guy but he’s the president, I’m going have to respect the office,” he said before adding ‘another thing.’ “The next one of you fools, idiots, or jacka– send me an article about Bruce Pearl supporting Trump, I’mma punch you in the face.”

Bruce Pearl, Auburn Tigers basketball team’s head coach, is a close associate of Barkley. They’ve worked together every year to raise funds for the athletic program and his work with the students at his alma mater is all that matters to Chuck. “Bruce Pearl got two jobs – win in basketball games and graduate players that’s all I care about.” 

He reiterated that Pearl can vote for whoever he wants. Despite his own feelings about the presidential outcome of 2024, Barkley is demanding some grace from the country.

Charles Barkley wants to keep it civil

Very few in sports media are as outspoken about their political beliefs as Charles Barkley. He once teased the idea of running for office in his home state of Alabama. He gave up on those plans but is outspoken. He often states he was a registered Republican, switched to Democrat, and is now a registered Independent.

He has long maintained that he would never vote for Trump. In fact, he once threatened to punch anyone who voted for him on his CNN show, King Charles. He’d later say. “Obviously, I’m not going to go around punching random strangers in the face – first and foremost.” And added, “Secondly, people can vote for who they want to. People can vote for who they want to.”

Yes, contrary to his hotheaded in the NBA, Chuck doesn’t want violence. The sentiment resurfaced on The Steam Room as he told Trump’s opposing side to calm down and accept this defeat. He said it’s “all our faults” that Kamala Harris lost, but it’s time to look forward.