There are issues with the society that Charles Barkley will not be silent on. He’s been vocal on any number of social issues, from wanting better conditions for college athletes to declaring he’s an LGBTQ+ ally. His most recent tell-all interview became a platform to express all his opinions. The NBA legend who has earned millions as a player and a broadcaster has immense respect for those serving in another profession. And he has a problem with them not getting their due credit.

While on the SI Media with Jimmy Traina podcast, ‘Sir Charles’ expressed that he admires those in professions that serve people whether it’s law enforcement or even teachers. But he believes that one section of medical professionals deserves more appreciation.

Charles Barkley applauds nurses

Charles Barkley got candid about issues that don’t get enough representation in mainstream discussions on the Sports Illustrated podcast. Both Chuck and the host, Jimmy Traina, voiced off on nurses not getting due credit for their very difficult jobs. Barkley started off by saying he belives professions like teachers and nurses deserve more appreciation than basketball players who dunk.

Traina also agreed saying that he had experienced how nurses go out of their way to care for patients and their families. He said that if you don’t admit that nurses are very important, then “…there’s something wrong with you.” 

Barkley had strong feelings about it. He rightfully said that nurses are doing the job that we wouldn’t do for our loved ones. “They have to wipe their a** and like, first of all stuff that we wouldn’t do. Yeah, I’m not bathing somebody, I’m not wiping somebody’s s**t off them. Like, they do that every day.” 

The Inside the NBA host said that nurses weren’t just handling the icky stuff. A lot of people can relate that nurses are the primary point of contact in medical emergencies, and they provide a lot of assurance. “When you know death is imminent or things are not going to turn out a certain way…” the nurses help families feel better, Barkley said.

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Barkley claims he wouldn’t do the gritty stuff for his loved ones. But the NBA star wins hearts with his philanthropy for a lot of strangers.

Barkley actively donates to important causes

There’s nothing Barkley wouldn’t do to help others. He once claimed he has an annual charity goal for himself. A staunch advocate for helping college athletes, he notably donates to HBCUs. One of his most notable acts was a $1 million donation to Tuskegee University in 2020.

Despite his generosity, Barkley doesn’t brag about his kind gestures. In fact, he feels lesser than nurses and all that they do. “They have to go from family to family. You have to put on a brave face, like when somebody dies, they have to clean the room and bring in another family,” Barkley said, adding that had to be stressful on them.

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Barkley isn’t wrong. According to the American Nurses Association, about two-thirds of the nursing profession suffers from a clinically termed condition called Nurse Burnout. If nothing, their effort and time deserve as much appreciation.

What did you think about Barkley’s statements? Share your views in the comments!