Nobody’s keeping it real more than Charles Barkley. Barkley stood up for the LGBTQ+ community recently. His prolific activism on important issues revived interest in another stand he took. Almost a decade ago, Chuck admitted to taking money under the table as a college student to make a very valid point. In an interview with Graham Bensinger, he revealed his own experiences to highlight problems in the NCAA. Though illegal for college athletes like a young Barkley to accept money, he did it so he could stay in college.

The NBA star advocates improving the college athletic system so student-athletes have a better future. College athletes tend to receive money from sports agents and boosters. Barkley’s issue is not with the legality of it. He is driving the debate about student-athletes not getting a share of the profits earned from their name, image and popularity.

Charles Barkley stood up for college athletes

Charles Barkley sat down with Graham Bensinger on In Depth in 2016 when he made a startling confession. He said he accepted around $20,000 from agents while he was playing in Auburn University.

This is an ongoing debate among the athletic community. While many believe that it’s unfair that everyone but the college athlete profits from their fame and talent, others claim that these rules exist to protect the integrity of college sports. Barkley is one of the former. He explained his stance in a simple manner.

“Because I want some money,” Barkley told Bensinger, “I want to go on dates, I want to go buy myself a new suit, I want to buy myself some sneakers.” 

The Round Mound of Rebound said the money went a long way. He was able to continue college with that money and help his family while still having some left over. He doubled down on his point saying, “The system is broken.” He took a direct jab at the NCAA raking in millions off these athletes.

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He advocated that it should be legal for students to accept money from agents and boosters. Or someone should recommend a solution so athletes shouldn’t have to work extra jobs on top of their courseload and their grueling regimens.

Barkley wants students to be accountable

Barkley has often claimed he is not a “role model”. The fact is that his advocacy and gall to discuss important issues make him a role model.

In the same interview, he said he never aspired for college just so he could play in the NBA. He was realistic and knew an education would go a long way. He accepted the money from agents too so he could stick to his studies.

That’s not a common sentiment among student-athletes in this age. Barkley said that many athletes dream about the pros and don’t stick with college long enough to get a degree. The reality is that not everyone will be a professional athlete with a multi-million contract. He was honest that many of his peers didn’t complete college and their lives are a “trainwreck”.

When he claims the system is broken, he doesn’t just mean the financial aspect. He’s also insistent that the system needs to hold the students accountable to finish their degrees and have that backup plan when an athletic career doesn’t work out.

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Agree or not, Barkley’s stance holds some merit. What is your take on this debate about college athletics? Tell us what you think in the comments below!