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When the gang at FOX Sports Radio’s The Hartman and Friends Show welcomed TNT Inside the NBA analyst and former NBA star Charles Barkley yesterday to discuss the return of Tiger Woods at the Masters Tournament. The avid golfer criticized Masters Chairman Billy Payne, discussed his friendship with Woods, as well as a couple problems he has with him, and more. As you know if you read my column I love Chuck’s candor. Here are a few highlights from the show:
Charles Barkley responding to Billy Payne’s comments about Tiger Woods…
“Then you got this punk ass Billy Payne who goes on TV yesterday. First of all, he ain’t told his kids to be like no Tiger Woods. Let’s quit kidding ourselves. He ain’t told his grandkids and kids to be like Tiger Woods. And for him to get on there and act like he’s old Uncle Tom, he’s the master on the plantation, that pissed me off. And I wish somebody would just walk up to him and punch him in the face.”
Charles Barkley on whether or not Tiger Woods has done enough to repair his image…
“Like I said, he’s paid his dues. He’s paid. And now he’s got to get on with golf and his life. But I’m sick of everybody taking shots at him. And he’s not the type of guy who is going to fight back. That’s one of the reasons he needed to surround himself with people that got his back, who’s going to be his friend through good or bad. And he has not done a good job in that aspect. But listen, I got his back and he’s just got to start fighting back.”
Charles Barkley on his friendship with Tiger Woods, as well as two problems he has with him…
“Tiger is my friend; he will always be my friend. I had no idea any of this stuff was going on and if I did, it wasn’t any of my business what people do. If I knew that Dennis Scott was doing something, it’s not any of my business. But I didn’t know anything. Listen man, when you’re famous that’s just the way it is. People get to make up stuff about you. And Tiger’s my brother; I love him. I only had two problems with Tiger with this whole thing. Number one: I told him years ago to quit saying you’re not black because all these people who smile in your face, when you screw up, you’re going to be black. And that’s come back to bite him in the ass. We’ve been telling him for years to quit saying that. These people are not your friends. And when you mess up, didn’t think it was clearly going to go to this level, but these people are not your friends. Don’t confuse you making them money and they paying you as them being your friends. And secondly, I wish he would get to the point when he says ‘Hey listen, I’m not going to walk around on eggshells anymore. I understand that I messed up. I own this. This is my fault. I’ve apologized to my wife and I’ve apologized to my kids. The rest of ya’ll can kiss my ass.’ Them are the only two things, problems that I have with Tiger.”
