TNT aired a special tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during Monday's pre-game show to Orlando's 109-106 loss to the Celtics. The package included an interview with the anti-gay Rev. Bernice King, youngest daughter of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr, new chair of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and pastor at scandal-plagued Bishop Eddie Long's New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.
After the package aired, basketball great and TNT analyst Charles Barkley made a none-too-subtle reference to Bernice King, who says she had a "responsibility to continue" MLK's legacy.
"His daughter said something that was very interesting," Barkley noted. "People try to make it about black and white. He 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 homosexuality people. God bless the gay people. They are great people. We have discrimination against Hispanic people in this country and we need to answer to that."
Barkley first came out in favor of gay rights in August 2006 and said, "I'm a big advocate of gay marriage. If they want to get married, God bless them." In February 2008, Barkley slammed evangelicals and Republicans as "hypocrites" and "fake Christians" for opposing marriage equality.
Totally heartfelt and unscripted remarks, heard by a massive television audience of male sports viewers. Thank you, Mr. Barkley. Via Towleroad, watch at 6:20+ AFTER THE JUMP ...
I LOVE THIS MAN FOR HIS ABILITY TO SHOW WHAT A MAN IS! I love that he will venture into the subject AT ANY TIME, not just when it's "appropriate" or even on "message."
He used this POWERFUL VENUE and this POIGNANT MOMENT to remind us ALL what Dr. King really stood for--ALL. PERIOD!
Enough said, Bernice! Now bring your bulldaggerness OUT OF THE CLOSET!
Posted by: TheRevKev | 18 January 2011 at 17:13
yeah, what REvKev said... couldn't have said it better. Thanks Charles- stay off the donuts, we need you around a lot longer.
Posted by: Bill | 18 January 2011 at 17:38
Wonderful!
Posted by: Bama | 18 January 2011 at 17:47
Brilliant - and yes, RevKev got it just right. There's nothing more powerful than a straight, elite athlete like Charles speaking against homophobia. That's because people know that he does not have an agenda, an ulterior motive - he's speaking from the heart (and what a big heart it is).
Posted by: Tim Lee | 18 January 2011 at 18:34
Ole boy always speaks his mind. I give him props for that. He never seems to shy away from saying what he wants. I have nothing but respect for this man. Continue to to do your thang Ole boy!!!
Posted by: Diva1961 | 18 January 2011 at 18:35
"I love the homosexuality people"
Only Charles can say that and get away with it, LOL!
God Bless you Charles! I love this man and he is a MAN!!
Posted by: Isis | 18 January 2011 at 18:41
Yes Mr Barkley...Say it..and thank you!!
Posted by: Etienne | 18 January 2011 at 19:11
Charles made me proud today. I usually cringe when he opens his mouth because the boy says what's on his mind, but he made me proud with this one. This made up for all the other gaffes he's made throughout his career. As for Ms. King, I know her Momma and her Daddy are ashamed that she's not living up to the "dream"
Posted by: Distant Lover | 18 January 2011 at 20:07
Berneice King is still in the closet???
Posted by: SouthernIvy | 18 January 2011 at 21:27
Gotta love him and anyone who isn't afraid to be honest about their support.
Posted by: JinCA | 19 January 2011 at 01:39
You gotta love Charles Barkley
Posted by: Mel Smith | 19 January 2011 at 05:20
Charles is so country-- you have to love a man who says "I love the homosexuality people" on national TV!!
Posted by: kevjack | 19 January 2011 at 08:30
I always find that individuals who speak/sprew the most venom about something seem to be dealing with their own issues...47 y.o., no kids, not in a relationship, and sprews venom on a certain subject...hmm. One day BK will have to deal with that issue.
Posted by: Dré | 19 January 2011 at 10:18
I am so proud of Mr. Barkley it bring tears of joy happiness and respect.....As for Bernice she should stop fighting her real self.
Posted by: Ramizz | 19 January 2011 at 11:38
Bravo Sir Charles!
Posted by: reggieh | 19 January 2011 at 17:03
i love cb!
i have been his fan ever since madonna said his sex skills made him god!...
all real men are cool with gays!
http://aliciabanks.xanga.com/
Posted by: alicia banks | 19 January 2011 at 21:00
Another homophobe converted in the 21st century.... Progress people!!!
Posted by: DivaRossIsHere! | 22 January 2011 at 08:28
The Gays are making "happy claps" around their PCs. ;)
Posted by: Honut Sinti | 22 January 2011 at 15:29
Wow...I'm glad he spoken up not just for the gay's but also for Human Rights for everyone period. If Martin Luther King was alive today I believe he would be fighting for the rights of those disenfranchised by discrimination regardless of orientation. I applaud his comments.
Posted by: Roger Bernard | 26 January 2011 at 14:53