Charles Barkley has voiced strong criticism regarding the current state of college athletics, labeling it “screwed up” and calling it “stupid” to expect him to continue donating millions of dollars in NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) money to Auburn University. Speaking on the radio program “McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning,” Barkley expressed concern over the changing dynamics in college sports, emphasizing that the situation has deteriorated into an unsustainable model.
Barkley highlighted the astonishing financial figures involved in the college transfer portal, where top athletes, such as quarterbacks, are securing NIL deals worth between $4 to $5 million. He mentioned the recent case of Washington QB Demond Williams Jr., who initially announced a transfer after agreeing to a $4 million NIL deal but decided to remain at Washington when legal challenges arose.
“The way we are handling college sports is unsustainable,” Barkley remarked. He acknowledged the importance of athletes earning money but questioned the rationality of requiring enormous funds to support college sports. “I’ve given more money to Auburn, legal or illegal, than any athlete in the history of the school,” he said, asserting that the expectation of donating millions annually for athletic success is unreasonable.
Addressing the evolving nature of NIL deals, Barkley noted that players can leave their current institutions after each season if offered more money elsewhere, which he deemed a flawed approach. “One thing I’m pretty sure of, black and broke don’t work in any municipality in the world,” he added, underscoring his desire to maintain financial stability while supporting Auburn. He concluded by reaffirming his pride in past contributions but asserted that continuous multimillion-dollar donations for athletic success are not feasible or sensible.
Barkley’s comments resonate amid growing concerns regarding the financial implications of the NIL era, suggesting a need for a reevaluation of how college sports are funded and organized moving forward. His stance highlights a common sentiment among some alumni and sports figures who are wary of the financial demands attached to modern college athletics.