Charles Barkley used his college basketball platform to make a political statement.
The loquacious hoops analyst and Hall of Famer criticized the treatment of immigrants in America during CBS’s Elite Eight pregame show Sunday.
The network aired a segment on senior UConn forward Alex Karaban, whose mother, Olga, is from Ukraine, and whose father, Alexei, is from Belarus, according to CT Insider.
“I want to be very careful with my words right now because this is a touchy subject for me,” Barkley said before Karaban’s Huskies stunned Duke, 73-72, on a final-second 3-pointer from freshman Braylon Mullins. “I love that kid and his family, but the way some of these other immigrants are getting treated in our country right now is a travesty and a disgrace. I think there’s a difference between amazing immigrants and criminal immigrants, and I think what’s gone on in our country and what we’re doing to some of these amazing immigrants is really unfortunate, and it’s really sad.
“That’s a great immigrant story, and we have a lot of great immigrant stories out there, their stories need to be told. But some of the stuff happening in our country to immigrants right now is really unfortunate and really unfair, but immigrants built this country and we should admire them and respect them.”
Those words resonated with ex-NFLer Nate Burleson, who flashed a wide smile.
“Chuck, I love you bro,” he said. “I appreciate you.”
Barkley’s comments come at a time when the treatment of immigrants in the country is a widely scrutinized topic.
Democrats and Republicans have been opposed on the funding of the Department of Homeland Security, under which the polarizing ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) operates.
New York City and other cities recently hosted “No Kings” rallies in opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies, with “No ICE! No Kings! No War!” chants breaking out.
The 63-year-old Barkley previously said he’s an independent and has shown interest in politics, although quotes over the years indicate he’s vacillated between parties.
He said earlier this year he would not vote for a Democratic candidate again if the 2028 candidate is not Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro or Maryland Gov. Wes Moore.
Barkley has made it clear he’s not a Trump fan.
“I’m not ever gonna vote for Trump and he’s just not my cup of tea,” Barkley said, per AL.com, “and obviously he can’t run again.”
Barkley made his comments Sunday sitting next to former Auburn coach and noted Republican Bruce Pearl, who has not been shy in espousing his political views since he retired after the 2024-25 season.