Charles Barkley Will Be Throwing Elbows At Social Issues In A New Show

LifeOfaReilly9 years ago

Charles Barkley is among the most revered sports television personalities. Mostly because he isn’t just another talking head trying to stir the pot for the sake of attracting viewers; he’s just himself at all times. TNT’s NBA studio team, which is headlined by Barkley, is entertaining enough on its own to make even the most novice of basketball fans tune in. Barkley has helped people forget about his brutal golf swing, kind of, with his brutal honesty on topics ranging outside of the NBA.

Turner Broadcasting president Kevin Reilly released a statement announcing a new show tentatively named The Race Card that will give Barkley a platform to speak on anything that he damn well pleases in 2017. According to Philly.com, Barkley hopes to create nationwide dialogue on social issues occurring throughout the country.

“I really love his [Barkley’s] ambition,” said Reilly. “First of all, Charles is one of the few guys who is not afraid to get in the middle of the very thorny, and unfortunately, all-too-real and complex issue of race relations…and just tension in our society in general. And to take a provocative position that’s usually not necessarily predictable.”

[…]

“But he feels really strongly that he’s given an opportunity to get out there and actually bring this to the forefront, and create a dialogue, and he’s going to bring a Who’s Who [of people] with him to both dramatize it, to opine on it, to participate. And he hopes it’s sort of a lightning rod, and a really constructive dialogue.”

This is the same man who notoriously made a commercial telling the world he is “not a role model,” despite society insisting all professional athletes are. Nope. Not Chuck. He’s too busy gambling away millions, because he can, to be bothered with today’s youth. Ain’t no millionaire got time for that.

Far too often do we see television networks walking a tight rope, afraid to engage in real dialogue about sensitive subjects in fear of crossing the political correctness threshold. I’ll tell you who isn’t afraid to take these topics head on: Charles Barkley. His “tell it like it is” ways are what make him a television treasure.

Part of the magic of TNT’s NBA studio team is the live television aspect. God willing this show will follow that lead. One can only imagine what will come out of Chuck’s mouth regarding social issues if he’s given no censor.

Fingers cross Right Guard signs up as a sponsor for this new show and revives Barkley as their spokesperson. Anything less would be uncivilized.

Watch out, America. Sir Charles will be throwing elbows at your social stances shortly..

[via Philly.com]

Image via YouTube