Charles Barkley recalls splashing $32,000 for suits after shopping with legendary ‘Dr J’ Julius Erving

Charles Barkley took a fine jab at Taylor Swift haters.

Charles Barkley recalls splashing $32,000 for suits after shopping with legendary ‘Dr J’ Julius Erving

Charles Barkley and Julius Erving (Credits: Sportscasting)

Charles Barkley, a weekly fixture on national television, wasn’t a big fan of formal wear when he first started in the league. He had to break the tendency of preferring his warmup suits and casual sportswear over smart coats, especially in light of his rockstar status. Following his 1984 draft selection by the Philadelphia 76ers, NBA legends like Moses Malone and Julius Erving surrounded Barkley.

It’s no secret that Moses Malone and Julius Erving, two Sixers veterans, were instrumental in Barkley’s early career development. During the “All the Smoke” podcast featuring Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, Barkley told a hilarious tale about how, during his rookie year, Dr. J encouraged him to give up wearing the tacky warm-up outfits that the former was so fond of using when he first joined the league.

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Charles Barley said via All the Smoke, 

They say, we are taking you shopping. They take me to Board store and said Chuck needs 10 suits, 10 sports coats, and slacks. Bill comes $32,000. Ain't nobody in my house ever made $32,000 a year".

Dr. J and Malone were crucial in helping rookie Barkley mature into a mature man. They helped shape the eleven-time All-Star character and prepare him to be one of the league’s greatest players.

One of the most valuable lessons he took away from his three years with Erving was the influence of being an instant hit. Although some people find it tempting to be a franchise’s face, Erving made sure Barkley was aware of the highs and lows of the position.

Charles Barkley rejects the haters of Taylor Swift

Charles Barkley has a straightforward message for NFL supporters who despise Taylor Swift. Entertainer Taylor Swift is one of the biggest stories heading into Super Bowl LVIII, thanks to both her supporters and haters. The well-liked “NBA on TNT” analyst, speaking with Gayle King and Bob Costas on CNN, utilized his customary frankness to criticize supporters who claim Swift has ruined football by showing up to Kansas City Chiefs games to support her boyfriend.

Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley (Credits: Fox Sports)

Charles Barkley said, 

If you are screaming at Taylor Swift saying she ruined it, you are just a loser or jacka**. You can be A or B".

Costas and King then talked about the political undertones of most of the criticism directed towards Swift, who has been on NFL broadcasts for an average of thirty seconds every game that she has attended and made assumptions about the number of new fans she has brought to the league.

While almost every television network and the majority of other major sports leagues have had stable or declining ratings, the NFL has experienced yet another season with an increase in viewership for reasons unrelated to Swift.

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