Charles Barkley Applauds Draymond Green For Slapping Critic
By: Will Burchfield
@burchie_kid
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - Charles Barkley is known for his outspoken ways. He added to that reputation on Wednesday when he commended Draymond Green for slapping a heckling fan outside a bar last weekend, an incident for which Green was arrested.
"Good for Draymond Green," Barkley told the Dan Le Batard Show on ESPN Radio.
Barkley, a polarizing NBA analyst for TBS, said the media has emboldened fans to criticize players by giving their opinions air time.
"You and these other idiots in the press have given these fools the power to tweet, to say anything they want to about these professional players. Your ilk, Dan, you reporters, y'all read these fools' tweets, y'all make them feel like their opinion is important. Their opinion is important, it's just not important to me.
"But y'all have given these fans a voice where they think can disrespect these players because of the amount of money they make and things like that. So more power to Draymond for slapping the hell out of that kid, whoever he was."
Arrested on charges of "simple assault," Green was released on Sunday morning after posting a $200 bond. His arraignment is scheduled for July 20. If found guilty, he would face up to 93 days in jail and a $500 fine.
On Tuesday, the Michigan State product addressed the media for the first time since his arrest at FORTUNE's Brainstorm Tech conference in Aspen, Colo, according to Sports Illustrated.
"When things happen, you meet them head on," Green said. "My legal team is handling it. It will be resolved really quickly. As a public figure I can't put myself in certain situations. It's something that I'll learn from and move on."
According to ESPN, Green's victim was a 22-year-old Michigan State football player named Jermaine Edmondson. The two had allegedly been involved in a two-day feud that began the night before.
The 26-year-old Green is known for being a fiery player on the court. For the most part, his aggression has served him well. He made his first All-Star team this season and was named to Team USA's basketball roster for the Rio Olympics.
It is unclear if his recent transgression will affect his inclusion on the national team.