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Barkley could face felony charges

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Charles Barkley said Thursday he will repay $400,000 in gambling markers he owes the Wynn Las Vegas, but he didn't tell the right people. Responding to a story in the Las Vegas Sun on Thursday, the NBA Hall of Famer told reporters at a golf tournament in Alabama that he would take care of the debt, according to the Associated Press. But as of 5 p.m. Thursday, he had not contacted the Clark County district attorney's bad check unit to make arrangements for restitution. The bad check unit has authority under state law to investigate unpaid casino markers in the same manner as bad checks. Chief Deputy District Attorney Bernie Zadrowski, who runs the bad check unit, said Barkley has to make arrangements to repay not just the debt but also a 10 percent fee -- $40,000 in this case -- that will go toward funding the bad check unit. Otherwise, Barkley will face felony charges.

Las Vegas Sun

Charles Barkley, AP Charles Barkley, AP
May 16, 2008  06:19 AM ET

Looks as if Barkley has some vices.
Jordan and other high-achieving athletes routinely gambled tens of thousands of dollars at a sitting, which was pocket change in proportion to their earnings - much like one of us gambling a hundred dollars in Vegas.
But now, you have Barkley taking it to a new level by gambling hundreds of thousands of dollars. While this amount, too, won't cripple him at all, it is somewhat more significant than the "typical" 50-thousand dollar tab that Jordan amassed from time to time.
It's also interesting that Sprewell was recently scolded for losing a hundred grand in his foreclosed house, but Barkley simply gambled away 4 times as much - the value of the entire house.
- JL

May 16, 2008  06:26 AM ET

Here's an interesting idea -
If Barkley needs money, perhaps he can take a position as a head coach somewhere. He'll get paid well enough to pay off his debts, and he'll also fill one of the many coaching positions available. It appears that there's a shortage of good coaches right now, so it's a good time for him to throw his hat in the ring, so to speak.
Besides, he has connections to the Suns and can apply for the position in Phoenix. It would be interesting to see Shaq taking orders from Barkley as well.
- JL

May 16, 2008  06:36 AM ET

Interesting name for a District Attorney - Bernie Zadrowski.
If the District Attorney decides to punish Barkley and make an example of him by jailing him overnight, would that be called a "Weekend at Bernie's" ? :)
- JL

May 16, 2008  06:44 AM ET

I hope this squashes is political aspirations. He's a democrat.

May 16, 2008  07:51 AM ET

Why would this casino spot Barkley four markers in the first place?

May 16, 2008  08:38 AM ET

JL Im sure he makes more with his Analyst position then he would coaching, I figure he's just kind of lazy about his bills. And who wouldn't spot him money, he is more then capable of paying it off.

May 16, 2008  08:41 AM ET

Why is this even a story? $400k is pocket change for Barkley and many other pro sports figures. I'm sure none of us could say we just "forgot" we owed $400k but when you're spending millions and millions regularly, that's understandable. I'm sure he'll take care of that before his next appearance on TNT. I can't wait to hear EJ and the Jet get on him about this like he got on D.Wade about the "Cougar".

May 16, 2008  08:54 AM ET

LOCK HIM UP FOR 3 TO 5 YEARS ...HE IS A BAD EXAMPLE TO OUR YOUTH...AND TO THINK HE IS VENTURING INTO POLITITCS ...ALL I HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THAT IS .... OH MY DAMN!!!

May 16, 2008  09:01 AM ET

Why is this even a story? $400k is pocket change for Barkley and many other pro sports figures. I'm sure none of us could say we just "forgot" we owed $400k but when you're spending millions and millions regularly, that's understandable. I'm sure he'll take care of that before his next appearance on TNT. I can't wait to hear EJ and the Jet get on him about this like he got on D.Wade about the "Cougar".
EastCoastJessie | 05/16/08, 08:41 AM
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Well said.

May 16, 2008  10:03 AM ET

LOCK HIM UP FOR 3 TO 5 YEARS ...HE IS A BAD EXAMPLE TO OUR YOUTH...AND TO THINK HE IS VENTURING INTO POLITITCS ...ALL I HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THAT IS .... OH MY DAMN!!!
I is the man | 05/16/08, 08:54 AM

Lock him up for what? Gambling in a casino is LEGAL, as long as you pay your debts of course. Besides, the casino will likely send a nice "collection agent" with a name like Vinny the Nose to "encourage" Mr. Barkley to settle his account.

May 16, 2008  10:08 AM ET

Charles that is just turrible, how are you going to be a mayor or governor if you have a record you turrible knucklehead

I guess he can run in DC they seem to enjoy electing and re-electing people with a record or a shady past

May 16, 2008  10:46 AM ET

this is a non-story. barkley has cash and will just pay the 400K. end of story.

May 16, 2008  10:54 AM ET

I heard some of the disparaging remarks the round mound made of efforts to get him pay off his debt. Pretty disgusting. Not the kind of guy who should be elected to any political office.

May 16, 2008  11:14 AM ET

I hope this squashes is political aspirations. He's a democrat.

thepatriotscheated | 05/16/08, 06:44 AM

He used to be a repuke, so he got his chit from the early political life.

Barkley is one of my all-time b-ball favorites. The biggest mouth on earth, but he gives it the way it is. I wish we had politicians like that - with or without gambling issues.

May 16, 2008  11:52 AM ET

That's what i'm talking about! The NBA knows how to make wonderful role models...Bravah Mr. Barkely...Bravah Mr. Sprewell...I applaud you!!!

May 16, 2008  12:07 PM ET

Won't help his political career, that's for sure.

May 16, 2008  12:30 PM ET

Sometimes I think he's an idiot and other times I like him. But, the way he stepped up and said (I paraphrase) "I owe the money, and I'm going to pay it", something to that effect, was admirable. Most anyone else would have "No comment" or played the victim. Kudos on this one Sir Charles.

May 16, 2008  01:08 PM ET

Surprised the casino didn't handle this "internally" like they normally do...

May 16, 2008  01:45 PM ET

Charles, if you are aspiring to hold office, stop gambling. It is a slow disease tht will kill you in the end. Give it up. You don't need it.

Earl "The Pearle"

 
May 16, 2008  02:07 PM ET

don't forget that 400k to barkley is chump change. he probably just forgot or thught he had already paid. heck, i wouldn't be surprised if he employs someone who is supposed to be on top of this stuff for him. barkley is no idiot. he's not gonna evade public debts while he's trying to position himself for a run at political office. come on.
in response to the guy comparing barkley to sprewell.......ummm.

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