Charles Barkley Confesses to Hitting Teammate While Talking Draymond Green

While he’s a (largely) beloved part of the modern NBA scene, Charles Barkley wasn’t always the most popular guy. During his playing days, he was more than willing to fight—both with other players and fans—and was involved in an infamous spitting incident.

This was the man, after all, who iconically told the world he wasn’t a role model. But now, it appears that Chuck’s rap sheet was a bit longer than we realized.

During a conversation with Dan Patrick, Sir Charles speculated that Draymond Green, who is facing another suspension, is frustrated that he can’t play like he used to. And, speaking to that reality, the Inside the NBA talking head admitted that he understood those feelings and once channeled them into hitting a Houston Rockets teammate.

Barkley Hit Othella Harrington With the Rockets

Draymond Green has found himself back in the news for the wrong reasons. The Golden State Warriors forward, who has a history of crossing the line on the court, hit Jusuf Nurkić in the face. And whether you think the act was intentional or not, Green didn’t exactly position himself to get the benefit of the doubt.

He’s since received an indefinite suspension, but before that news broke, Barkley was asked about the topic on The Dan Patrick Show.

“Not anymore. [Dealing with Green] is a necessary evil when you’re winning,” Chuck said when the host wondered about the Warriors’ collective thought process. “Not when you’re losing.”

While that’s a fairly benign quote, it did tee up some more interesting statements.

“And he’s frustrated because he can’t play the way he used to play,” Barkley continued. “That’s probably what, as a player, that’s what I’m seeing. I’m like, ‘Oh man.’ Because I’m not saying this because I like Draymond; everyone likes Draymond. But, Dan, I started doing stupid stuff when I couldn’t play anymore.”

And then the new confession surfaced.

“It was very frustrating,” the Hall-of-Famer admitted. “My last two years with the Rockets, I sucked as a player. You know, I actually hit Othella Harrington. Nobody knows about it. Othella Harrington. I hit him in practice because he was working so hard, and there was nothing I could do about it.

“So I threw him down and [head coach] Rudy Tomjanovich, who I really respected, [said] ‘We’re gonna vote, and you’re not gonna play.’ And I was humiliated. But it was because I couldn’t play anymore, so I was playing dirty. I see the same thing with Draymond.”

Harrington spent three years in Houston and is now on the New York Knicks coaching staff. Newsweek reached out to MSG PR via email for comment.

These Moments Are Where Barkley Shines

When we’re talking about Barkley’s punditry, it’s easy to focus on the hot takes. In these sorts of situations, though, the former forward shines.

From afar, it’s hard to understand professional athletes. Fans would do anything for a moment on the NBA floor, let alone the fame and fortune that comes with a basketball career. That’s understandable, but it removes a layer of reality. Green is (presumably) no longer thrilled to be there; if we believe Barkley, he’s frustrated.

Barkley, as a former pro, can speak to that.

“You have to grow old gracefully,” he said. “Because [Green] has accomplished a lot in his game. But when you can’t play anymore, it’s very frustrating. And that’s what you see now from him. That’s what I see as a player.”

While we can understand the aches and pains of aging, it’s easy to assume that having millions of dollars in the bank can blunt any discomfort. Starring down your mortality is, in theory, a bit easier when you can move into a TV gig and (largely) live a life of leisure.

But, to Barkley’s point, players don’t have that same perspective. They’ve been focused on basketball for decades, and, in many cases, the game is their identity. And while many do age gracefully, some find it difficult.

The former forward can provide that insight. And, in a similar case to his Zion Williamson comments, his remarks are strengthened by the fact that he found himself in this position. He was overweight, and a veteran pushed him to get in shape. He was known as a bad boy until an ugly incident changed his path. He was frustrated with his aging, but the team brought him back into line. (as he revealed, Barkley also hit a teammate during practice, which Green has already done.)

Can Sir Charles uncork the occasional hot take or make a less-than-ideal comment? Sure. But he’s also capable of speaking from experience to provide interesting and authentic commentary. To his credit, Barkley isn’t afraid to speak candidly about the negative moments in his career.

Even if those moments involve taking down a teammate in practice.