Basketball great Charles Barkley has been a longtime ally of the LGBT community, which is why this story of him using a homophobic slur to describe Flava Flav’s outfit smelled fishy to us before we even watched the video. He’s even gone on record to remind his black brothers and sisters that civil rights include the gays:
“People try to make it about black and white. [Martin Luther King, Jr.] talked about equality for every man, every woman. We have a thing going on now, people discriminating against homosexuality in this country. I love the homosexual people. God bless the gay people. They are great people.”
And he said that during a Lakers-Celtics game on MLK Day! He’s also said it’s fine to be a gay athlete… as long as you don’t suck (on the the field, ha).
So, yeah, we don’t think Sir Charles said Flava Flav was “dressed like a fag” while commentating on the Sunday Celtics-Hawks game, but erroneous reports of it are popping up around the internet. Here’s a transcription of what we heard:
“Please don’t have no kids, man,” says Barkley of Flav’s ridonkuloid outfit. “You a damned idiot dressed like that. Please don’t have no kids.” (Too late.)
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“Celtics fan baby,” says someone else.
And a third voice, which sounds like Barkley’s, says: “He’s dressed like a [fan/fag].”
More credible reports believe that it was actually fellow commentator Kenny Smith responding to Barkley’s criticism of Flava Flav’s ridiculous outfit, saying he’s just showing some team spirit. We’re in that camp! Smith does sound a lot like Barkley, though.
This clip from HuffPost Politics cuts out the possible homophobic slur but has Barkley slamming Romney: “You goin’ down, bro.”
Brady
Definitely Kenny’s voice, and he definitely says “fan.” Kenny’s responding to Barkley and basically telling Barkley to give him a break because “he’s dressed like a fan.” Much ado about nothing.
Clockwork
I think he used the word fag – Notify GLAAD – release the hounds!
Geoff B
I don’t know wether he said it or not, but I have actually met him back when I used to tend bar bar in Chicago and based on that, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. He came to the bar I worked at with a former Bull who was a regular of mine and also a good friend and was nothing but kind and gracious (and yes he knew I was gay as I introduced him to my then boyfriend). Granted I only met him the one time, but I honestly feel he’s one of the good guys.
truthbetold
Yes yawn..get over it
Joe
THAT ISNT EVEN FLAVA FLAV