Forced by Charles Barkley to Accept His Harsh Reality, Stephen A. Smith Puts His Plans to Combat Supreme Court’s Order on Display

Published 07/06/2023, 8:12 AM EDT

From Kareem’s era to the 2020 Orlando Bubble, NBA players haven’t shied away from activism. More often than not, the stars of the league have used their platform to speak for what they believe in. The trend continues this off-season. The Supreme Court’s decision towards affirmative action was historic in nature, but it has met with a lot of critics. So, it was no surprise that one of the most politically active voices in NBA circles, Charles Barkley, was among the first to voice his disapproval. However, as a man of action, the former 76ers and Suns legend also quickly put a plan into motion.

Mere days after the announcement, one of the few on-air hosts left at ESPN broke down Charles’ decision regarding Auburn.

Stephen A. gives his two cents on the actions of Charles Barkley

Article continues below this ad

The ruling on affirmative action has been extremely divisive. Leaders from around the world have offered their opinions on the matter. President Joe Biden and ex-President Barrack Obama were clearly against the ruling.

However, Charles Barkley’s alteration to his will was among the first active steps towards making a contribution. On his podcast, the Stephen A. Smith Show, previously called the ‘Know Mercy’ podcast, Smith broke down Barkley’s actions.

Smith began by outlining Charles Barkley‘s recent change to his will, “He rewrote his will to make sure that five million dollars is donated to the University of Auburn for the sole express purpose of making sure that diversity still exists on the Auburn campus.”

He then continued, “I don’t have Charles Barkley’s money so I don’t donate that much. I’ve donated a lot of money to my alma mater Winston-Salem State University and HBCU and I’m proud of it.” Clearly, the popular NBA analysts are on the same page as far as giving back is concerned. But what about their takes on affirmative action?

Stephen A. shed some light on his stand, “ I don’t want to ostracize or omit anybody. But, in the world that we’re living in, when you’re black and you’re successful, I’m sorry you have to put black first.”

If such donations keep coming in, perhaps, the ramifications of the ruling can be subdued to some extent. As Stephen A. pointed out, Chuck’s actions might prove extremely important, on their own, as well as in inspiring others to take action.

Charles Barkley’s decision

Chuck had initially called the judgment frightening, using the phrase, “shot across the bow.”

Even before the ruling became official, Barkley proactively worked towards enacting his vision. As always, he was a concerned citizen and worked towards ensuring that his alma mater wasn’t among the ones to suffer. Born in Leeds, Alabama, Chuck attended Auburn University, and his plans involved an alteration of his will.

Article continues below this ad

Expressing Concerns Over Massive Supreme Court Ruling, Charles Barkley Makes Huge Change To His Will

The re-imagined bill included a $5 million donation to the University. While those terms were always true, the alteration made the money available for black scholarships only. Earlier, the money was going to be exclusively for poor students but the ruling forced Chuck to alter his plans.

The former Phoenix Suns‘ big man claimed that it was his way of making sure Auburn remained diverse. With such a massive change to the educational system, the community’s immediate actions have been incredibly heartwarming.

Article continues below this ad

While a long road is yet to be traversed, the first steps towards change have been taken. What do you think of Barkley’s decision?

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Priyanshu Choudhary is an NBA Writer at Essentially Sports. Basketball has been his favorite sport for over a decade, and he has written close to 300 articles. If asked what he loves about the sport, Priyanshu would cite the technique, the breakdown, the ebb and flow and the theatrics that have endeared him since 2009.

Edited by:

Aakash Nair

Forced by Charles Barkley to Accept His Harsh Reality, Stephen A. Smith Puts His Plans to Combat Supreme Court’s Order on Display

Stephen A. gives his two cents on the actions of Charles Barkley

Trending

“I Can Be Replaced”: Shaq Drops Cryptic Note Online As Absence From TNT Live Show Confuses America

Shaquille O’Neal, Tempted by Elon Musk’s Tesla Creation, Offers $159,999 Worth Trade to 30YO Comedian

“Jordan Slipping Him Cash”: Fans Join In as Magic Johnson Slams Stephen A. Smith for Leaving Isiah Thomas Out of His List

Exclusive: Shaquille O’Neal Breaks Silence on Nikola Jokic Controversy After Ex-Agent’s Big Claim

Big Setback for Shaq, as $155 Billion Company Eyes Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith Post-TNT Era

Charles Barkley’s decision