An undisputed legend of the NBA, Charles Barkley's post-playing career in punditry has often been defined by his ability to outrage.
Unafraid to offer frank views on a range of topics, Alabama-born Barkley was forthright in his support of Doug Jones in the state's recent senatorial elections.
When Jones marginally overcame the Donald Trump-backed Roy Moore, Barkley decided to use the Democrat's victory as the platform to launch an initiative of his own.
Speaking on TNT, Barkley announced that he was set to pledge $1 million for the sole purpose of enabling black women in Alabama to launch IT start-ups.
A reflection of Barkley's apparent gratitude to the numerous black women who came out in support of Jones, there was a sense of foreboding amongst a portion of the four men in studio when Barkley failed to leave it at that:
That does not mean hair salons and restaurants black women. It means IT start-ups.
The host was left to question why Barkley had to "do a backhanded joke" for something so "good and serious."
Although the recognisable former pro to the extreme left of the screen, Shaquille O'Neal, seemed to find Barkley's comments hilarious, many are finding this caveat hard to stomach.
Well shit! Barkley should pledge 1 millions to black men in Alabama for IT start ups. Then tell the men he’s not taking about basketball or football. 😡 How many people is Twitter gonna make me hate in 2017? 🖕🏻Barkley!
— Lala (@_lalaland_1) December 15, 2017
Charles Barkley just pledged to give $1m to "black women in Alabama to do start-ups."
He continues..."That does not mean hair salons and restaurants...
We're going to do I.T...that does not mean 'it.'"
He can't help himself.— Andscape (@andscape) December 15, 2017
Charles Barkley is a lot more politically dangerous than people want to admit. The way he upholds stereotypes about black people, and black women specifically, isn't eccentric. It is hateful. https://t.co/RBBA3JjEQl
— « (@shOoObz) December 15, 2017
That's his thing. He has political aspirations in that state in particular. He knows he needs black people to win. But he also has to remind white people that he embraces their bigoted stereotypes. And that he's ready to chastise black people at the drop of a hat.
— The Foncé Is Fully Vaxxed n' Boosted😷 💉 (@ChocnessMonsta) December 16, 2017
While Barkley's gesture is unquestionably generous, the nature of his remarks are less so. You can watch the full interaction below.
