Charles Barkley has no problem showcasing his love for Alabama. But when his beloved homestate reciprocates the love, he’s a no-show. No worries. He had his reasons and he made arrangements. Sir Charles grew up in Leeds, attended Auburn, and put his hometown on the map as an NBA superstar. Across his entire public life, he’s consistently given back to the community here. For his efforts, the state inducted him into the Alabama Academy of Honor.

However, Barkley couldn’t attend the ceremony on Monday morning. Since the regular season kicked off last week, Chuck has had his commitments with Inside the NBA keeping him busy. After the season premiere in Boston last Tuesday, they were back in Atlanta’s Studio J on Thursday again. And perhaps, a trip to Montgomery, Alabama just wasn’t logistically possible.

In his stead, Montal Morton, who works at Redmont Vodka, attended the event and received the honor on behalf of Barkley. Morton even had some good words to say about the Hall-of-Famer and why he’s deserving of this award. “Wherever he is all over the world, he represents Alabama well. But today, we stood on the shoulders of many. And it’s a privilege and an honor for him to be inducted into this great organization.”

Redmont Vodka is one of the many ways Chuck’s giving back to Alabama. He invested in the Birmingham-based distillery to bring up the local economy.

Chuckster has also aided the construction of affordable housing in the state. He auctioned off several of his career memorabilia, including items from his run with the Dream Team in 1992, to raise funds for the same. Barkley makes it a point to donate at least $1 million to philanthropy every year, often towards Alabama-based initiatives. He’s designated a portion of his wealth to his alma mater Auburn. Only last month, he hosted his annual charity golf tournament with Auburn coach, Bruce Pearl, for the school’s basketball program and made a big donation to the women’s team.

Alabama is undoubtedly special to Charles Barkley and he would’ve attended the ceremony if he could. And he’s counted among some tremendous Alabamians too.

Charles Barkley shares Alabama limelight with the greats

Gov. George Wallace started the Alabama Academy of Honors in 1965 to acknowledge the accomplishments and service of native Alabamians. This year, Gov. Kay Ivey hosted the event and inducted the honorees. Including the past honorees over 260 Alabama greats from a wide variety of backgrounds and fields are included in this honor.

Among the names in the 2024 class was the richest man in the state, Jimmy Rane. He might associate with Barkley as he serves on Auburn University Board of Trustees. Justice Champ Lyons of the Alabama Supreme Court was also included for his work in social justice.

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Barkley and the others now count among the likes of Harper Lee, Rosa Parks, and Paul “Bear” Bryant in the Alabama Academy of Honors.