Charles Barkley's legendary response to questions about 76ers jersey conflict while honoring Magic Johnson in 1991
Charles Barkley is regarded as one of the best power forwards to have never won a championship in the NBA. Drafted fifth overall in the legendary 1984 NBA draft, he spent eight seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers.
In his final season with the team, the Hall of Famer switched his jersey number from 34 to the retired 32. He wanted to honor LA Lakers legend Magic Johnson, who had retired after contracting HIV. While the number was retired for Hall of Famer Billy Cunningham, he gave Barkley his blessing to honor his friend.
After sharing that he would only wear the number for the rest of the season, Barkley was asked about the opinion of the fans, who were far less receptive. He stated:
"You really think I give a flying f**k what these people on the radio call say?... I really don't give a f**k what they say on the call-in shows... It's not about the fans, it's about a friend. I really don't give a flying f**k what they think."
Asked if he would have a problem with someone wearing his number when it is retired, Barkley responded:
"No problem. People are stupid. For them to make a big deal out of this is ridiculous. This is just about me and Earvin, it's not about anything else. I don't have time to play any mind games with people. I don't get the time to get to worry about being criticized. If people like it, that's good. If they don't, f**k them."
While Charles Barkley made one of 11 straight All-NBA appearances in 1991-1992, the 76ers finished 35-47, missing the postseason for just the second time in Barkley's tenure. He would eventually be traded following the season.
Watch Charles Barkley discuss the fan response to his jersey switch below:
In 1991, Charles Barkley decided to change jersey numbers as a tribute to Magic who had recently retired. A firestorm ensued when 76ers fans hit the radio call-in lines to criticize him for having Billy Cunningham's retired number "pulled down".
This was Chuck's response: https://t.co/BrLqKUtUY6
Charles Barkley's jersey dispute
While Charles Barkley is now beloved in Philadelphia, that wasn't the case during his time with the team. This was on full display in the 1991-92 season when he announced he would switch his uniform number.
Retiring from the NBA due to HIV was like a death sentence for Magic Johnson. While Billy Cunningham, who the number had been retired for, gave his blessing, the incident added to Barkley's ever-growing rift with the fanbase.
The 1992-93 MVP was accused of forcing the organization to unretire Cunningham's number. Additionally, many said that he had hoped the 76ers would deny his request, which would give Barkley a reason to demand a trade.
He remained adamant that he was simply attempting to honor a friend. Despite receiving the blessing of both Cunningham and the organization, the fanbase never quite accepted the jersey switch.
Check out Charles Barkley battling Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls while wearing number 32: