Every year, with a new crop coming in, college sports become the center of attention for the sporting world. However, the conversation isn’t usually flattering for the colleges as a whole. Due to the divide on financial issues, programs rarely see themselves in a positive light. But, it is not just a monetary divide that these colleges face. Sometimes, there is a distinction between the popularity of individual sports inside campuses as well. Charles Barkley, who plans to leave a significant sum behind for his alma mater, had firsthand experience of this sports-wise divide.

Due to its history, Barkley saw a clear gap between basketball and football players at Auburn.

Charles Barkley and his unsavory experience at Auburn

Even though he truly came into his own at the NBA level, the Philadelphia 76ers legend was phenomenal for the Auburn Tigers as well. During his tenure, he would compile the SEC Tournament MVP as well as Player of the Year in the entire Southeastern Conference. However, he unfortunately had to share camp with another all-time legend.

That man is Bo Jackson. Speaking on the Dan Patrick Show, Chuck couldn’t help but marvel at the disrespectful level of divide in popularity between basketball and football players. “Me and Frank [Thomas] got treated like crap…Because Auburn, as much as I love Auburn, they don’t, until Bruce Pearl got there and Sunny Smith, they never cared about basketball.”

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Charles Barkley, Who Illegally Earned Money For Years, Mulls Over “Travesty” And “Disgrace” Of Pressing Issue

People would knock me out the way to get to Bo Jackson…It bothered me later. Even when I go back down there now. If I’m there with Bo, they gonna knock me out the way,” revealed the 1993 NBA MVP.

Despite his unpleasant experience with fame at the school, Barkley does understand the divide. As a result, he doesn’t harbor much ill will towards Auburn, reflecting the same in his will.

Charles Barkley’s heartfelt gesture

But, the Phoenix Suns legend has a specific group in mind for his college. Not wanting black children to miss out on a premier college experience, the Chuckster made an alteration to his will.

While his plan always was to leave $5 million for his school, he changed it a little after July’s Supreme Court verdict on affirmative action. Explaining the change, Barkley made a statement. “In my will, I am leaving Auburn five million. I’m going to change it to be just for scholarships for Black students. That’s just my way of trying to make sure Auburn stays diverse.”

His move even made Stephen A. Smith a believer. The gesture is nothing short of tremendous from the Hall of Famer.

While his experiences might not have been perfect, they did lay the foundation for a splendid career and life ahead. As it stands, Barkley wants to make the same a reality for future generations to come.

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