Barkley: Sports World Turning in “Circus” on Social Justice Issues

Is Charles Barkley right by saying the sports world may be turning into a "circus" because of varying approaches to tackling social justice issues?

Charles Barkley told CNBC’s Power Lunch on Friday that, instead of talking about issues related to racial and economic justice, the sports world is more focused on who is or isn’t kneeling, or what social justice message is written on the back of NBA players’ jerseys.

“We need police reform, we need prison reform,” he said. “My concern is turning this into a circus instead of trying to do some good stuff.”

Barkley is in Edgewood Tahoe, Nevada this week, playing in American Century’s celebrity championship golf tournament. The sports legend spoke to CNBC about basketball, race relations and social justice.

The NBA announced last week that players in Orlando will be allowed to feature social justice related messages on the back of their jerseys. Phrases consist of everything from “Black Lives Matter,” to “Equality,” to “How many more?”

The messages will be optional but the vast majority of players are said to be participating.

Barkley said fans need a break from reality right now, as millions of people are sick with coronavirus and others are suffering job loss.

For the rest of this CNBC story log on to: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/07/10/charles-barkley-sports-turning-social-ju...