NBA HOFer Charles Barkley refuses to attend NBA All-Star Game, criticizes San Francisco again: “Y'all are not gonna make me like San Francisco!” – The Times of India

Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley has doubled down on his criticism of San Francisco, calling it a “rat-infested place” during his appearance on TNT’s Inside the NBA. Barkley’s remarks came while discussing the All-Star candidacy of Detroit Pistons’ rising star Cade Cunningham, who he believes is a lock for the event. However, Barkley made it clear that he has no intentions of attending the NBA All-Star Game, set to be hosted by the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena.
“He’s going to make the All-Star Team,”Charles Barkley confidently stated about Cunningham. “I’m not going. I’m not going to that rat-infested place out in San Francisco.”
This isn’t the first time Barkley has voiced his disdain for the city. His past comments have created controversy, particularly among Bay Area fans and residents.

Charles Barkley’s previous contempt for San Francisco

NBA HOFer Charles Barkley (Image via Getty)

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Charles Barkley’s latest remarks were prompted by a colleague’s praise of San Francisco as a “beautiful” city. Unwavering in his opinion, Barkley responded bluntly, “San Francisco is not a beautiful city. Rats. Cats. Y’all are not gonna make me like San Francisco. No. Nope, nope, nope.”
The basketball legend has a history of targeting the city. During last year’s All-Star Game alternative broadcast, Barkley compared Indianapolis, where the event was held, to San Francisco, saying he’d prefer Indiana’s cold weather over “being around a bunch of homeless crooks in San Francisco.”

Draymond Green fires back after hearing Barkley’s criticism

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green has been one of Barkley’s most vocal critics. In response to Barkley’s earlier comments, Green labeled the Hall of Famer “crazy” and declared that he is not welcome in the city.
“Yes, you can walk around,” Green countered, defending San Francisco’s livability. Barkley, however, retorted sharply, “Yeah, with a bulletproof vest.”
The exchange shows that there is a lot of ongoing tension between Barkley and some Bay Area figures, including WNBA star Candace Parker, who has also defended the city.

While Barkley’s comments have drawn attention to San Francisco’s challenges, the city’s newly elected mayor, Daniel Lurie, is focused on addressing its issues. Lurie has committed to making San Francisco’s streets safer, tackling the city’s drug and behavioral health crisis, and increasing affordable housing.
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These initiatives aim to reshape the narrative surrounding San Francisco, but Barkley’s harsh criticisms throws light on the larger issues the city faces. All eyes will be on the event as the NBA All-Star Game approaches, but Barkley has stated that he will not be attending.