He says he's never voted for a Republican in his life. Talking on CNN recently about conservative Republicans, Barkley remarked: "Every time I hear the word 'conservative' it makes me sick to my stomach, because they're really just fake Christians, as I call them. That's all they are."
"I don't know what a conservative or liberal is," he says. "I'm pro-choice; government should create jobs for people, keep them safe. That's all I want. Keep people safe, give them good schools, jobs."
This, he says, referring to his TNT work, is just a warm-up. "There's got to be more than this. I have a gift. I should use it," he says.
Indeed, there probably is more to life than basketball, but for the time being Barkley has his hands full with just that.
On this night, for example, there is a line of acceptable NBA style that has been crossed by Philadelphia 76er center Samuel Dalembert, who has gotten what appears to be a playoff makeover, a modified Mohawk haircut with his initials in relief. It is clear that Dalembert, an otherwise handsome man, has transgressed. Somebody needs to do something.
"Sucky 'do,' " Barkley says, then after a moment's contemplation adds, "No grown-ass man should have a Mohawk."
Barkley, as usual, is on the case.
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terry.mcdermott@latimes.com
