Having Received a $10,000 Fine and 1-Game Suspension, Charles Barkley Once Reconsidered His Basketball Career, Thanks to 4x Glam Slam Winner Jim Courier

While Charles Barkley was a great player, he was quite short-tempered in his playing days. Often a very emotional character on the hardwood, the Round Mound of Rebound would get into trouble quite regularly. A 6-foot-6 forward, Sir Charles wouldn’t think twice before cussing out opponents or landing a punch or two. As a result of his on-court antics, the league would frequently slap him with hefty fines and suspensions. Back in 1993, the Suns star received a $10,000 fine, along with a one-game suspension, for his actions during a game in New York. As reported by the Los Angeles Times, Barkley considered switching to tennis after bringing up Jim Courier’s recent $1,000 fine at the Australian Open.

Over his 14-year career, the Hall-Of-Famer has racked up over $40 million from his contracts. However, he did end up losing out on a lot of money due to some of his habits. Apart from gambling and other off-court shenanigans, Barkley’s outbursts during games would often result in him paying large amounts in fines. Like back in the 1989-1990 season, the Auburn alum paid a hefty $37,000 in fines alone. His actions would often be followed up by a cheeky comment in the postgame interview.

It was the exact same case back in 1993.

Charles Barkley considered switching to tennis after Jim Courier’s  $1k fine at the Australian Open

During the Suns’ 103-106 loss against the New York Knicks in 1993, Charles Barkley would let his emotions get the better of him. Unable to compose himself, Barkley would jump on the scorer’s table and use distasteful language to criticize the officials.

After the incident, the league decided to penalize the Chuckster with a $10,000 fine along with a one-game suspension. Addressing the fine he received, Barkley spoke to the media and brought up how four-time Grand Slam champion Jim Courier was only fined $1,000 for his on-court outburst during the second-round clash at the 1993 Australian Open.

While Courier and Barkley committed a similar kind of offense, the latter was severely punished compared to the former. Having to pay 10 times more than what Courier paid, Sir Charles joked about considering switching sports. As per an LA Times report from 1993:

“I didn’t warrant the suspension,” Barkley said. “(Tennis star) Jim Courier cursed out the official (at the Australian Open) and gave him an obscene gesture and he only gets fined $1,000. I think I’m in the wrong sport. Maybe I’ll take up tennis.”

As entertaining as Barkley is, his candid behavior has often landed him in trouble.

Barkley’s comments have always created an issue

We love Barkley for being one of the funniest analysts in the industry. However, being as unfiltered as he is, his questionable comments can stir up controversy.

Known for trolling players and teams, the TNT analyst once mocked the women from the city of San Antonio. As a running NBA on TNT joke, Barkley has often called women from the Spurs’ home city big and overweight.

While the Hall-Of-Famer does have a great sense of humor, some of his ‘insensitive’ comments have not been appreciated by a large section of the audience. But it’s important to note that Barkley’s humor may be offensive, but it is devoid of any kind of malice or hate.