Charles Barkley seems to be having a little trouble defining what a problem is. In a recent interview, he said he doesn’t have a gambling problem, contradicting earlier statements that he does having a problem but agreeing with other earlier statements that no problem exists. Sort of. Understand?

Charles Barkley’s business is no concern of mine. He is a grown man and can spend his money however he wants. Furthermore, I would never judge the gambling behavior of a man I have never even met, let alone observed. However, it is worth pointing out the statements and contradictions he has made because it might help you notice similar behavior in yourself and in others.

During his playing days, NBA star Charles Barkley was known to be a high-stakes gambler who would at times blow huge amounts of money. Like Michael Jordan’s gambling habits, people pretty much forgot about it until Antoine Walker’s recent problems brought them into the spotlight again.

In a recent GQ article, Barkley defended his gambling habit. He said that, after facing criticism for his habits, he “quit gambling for a while. But then I was like, ‘Why am I quitting gambling? I don’t have a problem?’” He then decided to start gambling again, whether people like it or not.

Though he currently seems to be convinced that he doesn’t have a gambling problem, he didn’t feel that way back in 2006. In an interview with ESPN, he said that gambling “is a problem for me,” admitting to losing “probably $10 million.”

So it seems that in 2006, he recognized that he had a problem, but now, removed from gambling, he is in denial again? Well…no. It’s not that simple. In the same ESPN interview, he said this:

“Yeah, I do have a gambling problem but I don’t consider it a problem because I can afford to gamble.” So when is a gambling problem not a problem? Apparently, when you’re rich. Tell that to Antoine Walker.

However, despite his gambling problem not being a problem, Sir Charles said that he does gambling too much money and it’s a problem he needs to address. He told ESPN that “I am addressing it.”

So it seems that back in 2006, Charles Barkley had a gambling problem that he didn’t consider a problem, because he has plenty of money, but the problem still needed to be addressed because he’s losing too much money. Now, four years later, he’s sure that he doesn’t have a problem.

Are you confused? So is Charles.

Tags: Antoine Walker, Charles Barkley gambling, money management, problem gambling

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