Q&A: Charles Barkley on all things Auburn... and why the NCAA are 'just idiots'
Sir Charles was in rare form Monday, giving his thoughts on Bruce Pearl's program, his donation to women's basketball and so much more.
Charles Barkley (Steven Leonard/Auburn Tigers)
OPELIKA — There is no better ambassador for basketball than Charles Barkley.
That’s what Bruce Pearl said on Monday morning, just before teeing off his annual Bruce, Barkley and Basketball Golf Classic at Grand National.
For years, Barkley has made the fall trip to the Auburn area to help raise money for the basketball program where he kickstarted his Hall of Fame career.
The fundraising event has helped covered important expenses for the Tigers, like the long trips overseas — or the Maui Invitational return they’ll have in less than two months. This year, Auburn turned the event into an NIL function, helping raise money that will go directly to the players themselves.
Barkley was in rare form Monday morning, talking to a handful of reporters at the Grand National clubhouse before the event began.
He talked about the high expectations for Auburn men’s basketball this upcoming season, his uncertain media future, how “it’s just gonna be a long year” for Auburn football, why he thinks the NCAA are “just idiots,” and his $1 million donation to help Auburn women’s basketball stay competitive in a sport on the rise.
Here’s the entire interview with Barkley. It’s well worth your time.
Have you been in town all weekend?
I have. It's been an interesting weekend. Tough loss. But, you get to make up for it today and raise a lot of money for the program.
What does it mean for you to come back and be a part of this with Bruce each year?
Well, it means a lot to be with Bruce. Even more, it means a lot for these people to come and donate their time and their money. You know, you can do all the cheering and stuff you want to. But if people don't show up, it's irrelevant. Me and Bruce can go play golf all the time. But if these people don't come out here and give their money and their time, it's irrelevant. So, I want to thank them first and foremost.
The last six or so months for you, professionally, have been interesting...
Yeah, you know, it's going to be interesting after we lose the NBA after next year. Gonna have to figure out my life and what I'm looking for. I'm mainly concerned for the people I work with. Obviously, if I want to continue, I'm going to have opportunities — which, I haven't made a decision on that yet.
But I just feel bad for all the people I work with. We've had the NBA for 38 years, I think? Next year will be 25 (years for me), before we lose it. I have no idea what's going to happen after next year. I mean, it's crazy.
But, like I said, I'm not concerned about me. I'm concerned about the people I work with. I've been with these people for 24 years. Next year will be 25. It just sucks that they're gonna lose their jobs.
What are the things that stick out to you about this Auburn basketball team heading into this season?
Well, the expectations. Last year was good and bad. Winning the (SEC) Tournament was tremendous, but losing in the first round, that sucked. You know, we're at a place now where we have expectations. I think Bruce understands that.