“They’re Crazy For Charging And People Are Crazy For Paying”: NBA Legend Who Won An MVP Over Michael Jordan Once Called Out Athletes For “Scamming” Fans

NBA legend Michael Jordan has won 5 NBA MVP awards during the course of his illustrious career. He has also won 6 NBA titles. Jordan has clinched the MVP title and then went on to win a ring on 4 occasions. In one of the two instances he missed out on the MVP award, fellow NBA legend Charles Barkley won it. The Philadelphia 76ers superstar won the award over Jordan in 1993. During his prime, Barkley is one of the most dominant players. He was one of the best rebounders in the game.

After retiring, Barkley has been working as a basketball analyst for years. He currently works with NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson on the ‘NBA on TNT’ show. Even though his antics with Shaq and the crew are funny, Barkley is someone who is very straightforward. He gives his honest opinions without any fear.

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The power forward has always been an outspoken person. Even during his playing career, Barkley did not fear anything or anyone and spoke his mind. In 1997, Barkley was once the special guest on the ‘Arsenio Hall’ show. And gave his honest answers to a variety of questions.

Friend of Michael Jordan, Barkley always speaks his mind

During the show, the host asked him about athletes charging young fans for their signatures. And Charles Barkley spoke his mind which might not have been taken well by baseball stars. The 76ers legend said that it is mostly baseball players who are doing it. And that it is not right. He also accused the players of scamming the fans.

Barkley said, “I don’t think that’s right. I think they’re crazy for charging and the people are crazy for paying. The public is spending $200 for autographs, it’s mainly the baseball players. I don’t think that’s right. I think #1, they play enough money to see us play. That’s just another way of scamming money off of them.”

He also said that he would never charge fans for his autograph because professional athletes like him make a lot of money. Which was received by a huge round of applause from the audience.

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Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan were very close friends once. The duo spent a lot of time outside of basketball and constantly pulled each other’s legs. Barkley also featured in the Bulls legend’s iconic movie, ‘Space Jam’. But things went south between the two and they are not on speaking terms at the moment. Barkley won the MVP award averaging 25.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.