Charles Barkley takes a swipe at both Democrats AND Republicans amid potential involvement in NIL

Charles Barkley did not take a backwards step, as he is often prone to doing, slamming the state of politics in America while discussing the future of Name, Image and Likeness in collegiate sports.

During CBS’ Thursday broadcast of March Madness, Barkley took a shot at the country’s politicians – labeling them ‘awful people.’

It followed new NCCA President Charlie Baker speaking in studio about a desire to regulate money made by student-athletes in NIL deals. 

The Round Mound of Rebound was initially set off by Baker’s – the ex-Governor of Massachusetts – suggestion that he would speak to lawmakers and potentially bring in politicians to provide a universal framework. 

Charles Barkley took exception to the new NCAA President’s suggestion of involving politicians in shaping new mechanisms for ‘transparency and accountability’ for NIL deals

‘Did he say we’re going to ask the politicians to help us?’ Barkley asked the panel while shaking his head. 

‘See, that pisses me off already. Our politicians are awful people. I would actually people who actually care about basketball. 

‘I would put a committee together… get some coaches, get some players, and let’s try to work this thing out.

‘We can’t ask these politicians nothing. Those people are awful people. Democrats and Republicans; they’re all crooks.’ 

Since 2021, the NCAA has allowed student-athletes to make money from their name, image and likeness – something previously illegal for those before them. 

Baker had hoped to ensure there is soon ‘consumer protections’ and to ‘create [further] transparency and accountability’ surrounding the relatively new process. 

The newly minted president’s hope is that a ‘uniform standard contract’ for such deals is implemented in the near future.

Charlie Baker was announced as the NCAA’s president last year, but began the role this month