I just want to say how much I hurt for Charles and the Rockets right now.He was one of the toughest competitors in all of sports. Whether you love him(as most of us do)or hate him,there can be no doubt he is one of the top 3 power forwards to ever lace them up.Chuck is 6'4 1/2" and is one of those rare guys who could grab a rebound and take it coast to coast.From the time he was the round mound of rebound at Auburn to Philly where he did things noone his size has any business doing to Phoenix where he carried that team to Houston where in the twilight of his career he still demonstrated the ability to take over games,Charles Barkley showed why he is one of the all time greats. Despite at times using poor judgement on the court(shot selection),he is a really smart player......passing ,rebounding,strong moves on the blocks,getting to the line,running the break,strong....GREAT BASKETBALL PLAYER I know we'll still hear him on TV doing broadcasts,but I'll miss alot of the, spontaneous on the court Chuck.Sometimes his mouth got him in trouble,butwho cares?I've had the pleasure of sitting down with him and he is one of the funniest people I've ever met in my life.This comes out as you all know by just watching a game he's in.He's damn smart too and I wouldn't be surprised if he actually does get into politics later.Can you imagine Gov.Charles Barkley of Alabama?He might be leaving the NBA without a title,but this is all of basketball's loss.In a time where players are headed in a direction that bothers me,Chuck has been an outspoken critic against where the NBA is on course for.As he got older Charles never lost that fire on the court or off it.Though there have been things throughout his career that shock and disturb at times,you always knew where the Chuckster stood.Yes he's talked alot,sometimes to a fault.The guy is a walking quote machine and a heck of alot more.CB has come along way from Leeds,but something tells me after a couple of stops(TV and Springfield,Mass.)he'll be going home to do some really important things for his home state of Alabama.I'm proud to have had him as a Rocket and I wish him all the best. HH [This message has been edited by Hardwood Hammer (edited December 08, 1999).]
Hear, hear! Sad day, we knew it was coming but I really thought he was going out on the court in the playoffs. But like he said, he has a fabulous life. Lots of class. -SS
thx Hardwood. great tribute!!! I can only hope that I will someday have the pleasure of Barkley's company as you did. I can easily say, unlike any other celebrity I've ever watched, he is the one I would most cherish to meet. He exudes confidence, determination, sincerity, and life. The man indeed is blessed. [This message has been edited by heypartner (edited December 09, 1999).]
