I hated Charles Barkley when he played for the Sixers and the Suns against my Knicks.

And then I hated him even more when he went to TNT. One night last year the Knicks (who had a dreadful season last year) were somehow chosen for a primetime TNT game at the Garden against the Pistons. Barkley was one of the panelists in the TNT studio for that game. The Knicks were getting humiliated by the Pistons throughout the first half. It was so bad, it looked like the Knicks were a CBA team being toyed by an elite NBA team. It was a total mismatch.

And I have to say that during the halftime of that game, Charles Barkley hurt me as a Knicks fan. He was literally cracking jokes about the Knicks. He had the entire panel rolling in their seats, including the usually reserved David Aldridge. The entire staff was out of control laughing hysterically about my team, and I was furious. It was so unprofessional. And it was Charles Barkley who started it.

But now, I have to admit, it's hard to hate Charles Barkley anymore. I think he has become an interesting spokeperson for the NBA. When something controversial is going on, I now want to know what Barkley has to say.

Barkley's kissing of referee Dick Bavetta during that All Star event this past Saturday was probably a scene most people would just laugh at and soon forget, but what Charles Barkley did there (in his own responsible spokesperson-like manner) was bring healing to the NBA, the fans, the players, the coaches, everybody.

Tim Hardaway was hurtful, vicious and intmidating. And Charles Barkley came riding in on his horse to start the healing process. I can't hate Charles Barkley anymore. The NBA needs Charles Barkley. The sportsworld needs Charles Barkley.

I love Barkley. He's honest, candid, and never holds back on his opinions. As a Sixer fan, I've followed his career through his retirement and he's always been a supporter of gay rights even when he was a noted Republican. He offered supportive comments when Ellen came out and it didn't surprise me to hear his support for Amaechi either..

On a side note: I'm still mad as hell that some bimbo prevented me from meeting him when he was in a Phoenix night club. Barkley was about to turn around to talk to me, when some chic w/ big boobs grabbed him by the arm and stuffed her phone # in his hand. I was sooo mad.

I love Charles Barkley!!!!!!!!!!!!! He's so funny and speaks the truth, great bball player and an awesome runner LOL