Charles Barkley is one of the funniest sportscasters in the world at the moment. Fans around the world love the Philadelphia 76ers legend for his antics on TV. Barkley also laughs at jokes made about him as well. One would say the Hall of Famer is always blissful. However, the former forward struggled emotionally during his childhood because of his father’s absence.

Barkley wanted his father by his side. But he was not present for the most part, which hurt young Chuck and he once opened up about it. Since Barkley missed a father figure in the household and knows how hard it was without a father, he wanted to be a good father.

Charles Barkley’s rare calls with father

Frank Barkley, the father of Charles Barkley, abandoned his wife, Charcey Glenn, and his family. Charcey wanted her son to know the father who abandoned him. The book Barkley: A Biography by Timothy Bella talks about Chuck’s relationship with his father.

Despite leaving the family, Frank would still call his son from time to time, as per the book. Young Barkley loved speaking with his father and looked forward to it. He was not happy when Frank did not call. However, Barkley was still hurt that his father was not around.

So, after every call, reality kicked in, and Charles felt lonely. As time went by, the phone calls from Frank were less and less frequent. Barkley felt that he did not have anything to speak with him as well. However, he was desperate to know why his father left. He was left to wonder whether Frank did not want to be his father.

Amidst this, Frank visited his son and even invited him to join him for the summer in Los Angeles. This was Charles’ first-ever flight trip and he was visibly excited. On the other hand, Charcey was hoping this could lead to more support from her ex-husband both “emotionally and financially.” However, that wasn’t the case. Charcey noted that she and her son realized the visit was a waste soon.

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Charles Barkley felt empty by his father’s absence

She was furious that her son was even more hurt. As per the book, she said, “Lord, forgive me, but I think if I could have gotten my hands on Frank that night, I think I could have killed him.”

Furthermore, Charles decided that he wouldn’t ask anything ever from his father. However, he still yearned for him. He stated, “When I was young, I would see other kids with their fathers and felt empty. Like I was being cheated.”

Notably, Charles’ relationship with his father improved later on. He talked about it after Frank passed away last year.

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