http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/104589.html
Ailene Voisin: Barkley hopes to reign once more
By Ailene Voisin - Bee Sports Columnist
Last Updated 6:12 am PST Monday, January 8, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C1
While assorted celebrities attended Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's inaugural celebrations here Thursday, TNT analyst Charles Barkley worked the Kings-Lakers game at Arco Arena. Perhaps inspired by all the political happenings, the Hall of Fame forward reiterated his plans to run for governor of his native Alabama and disclosed a target date: 2014. Of course, when it comes to Barkley, nothing is sacred. Or certain. In recent conversations with Bee columnist Ailene Voisin, the always engaging, provocative personality elaborated on everything from politics, to his daughter's favorite pastime, to the quickest way for Geoff Petrie to revive the Kings.
Q: With all the partying going on downtown, it must have been a bit distracting for you having to work at Arco on Thursday night. Do you still envision yourself hosting similar bashes one of these years?
A: Yeah, I'm planning on running in 2014. I live in Phoenix, and it takes seven years to establish residency in Alabama, so I'm working on that now. Most people talk about liberal and conservative. I want to talk about rich and poor. The gap in America is widening and I want to do something about it.
Q: As a Democrat or Republican?
A: As an independent ... though maybe as a Democrat. I'm very disappointed in the Republicans. I don't like Bush at all. He might be a good guy, but he has taken the Republicans too far to the right.
Q: Correct me if I'm wrong here, but when I visited Leeds, Ala., on election eve in 1994, days after you first announced your intention to run for governor at a future date, you planned to do so as a Republican. The reaction among your friends and relatives was consistent; everyone I spoke with was appalled. City councilman Kenneth Washington told me, "I almost melted in my chair like cheese when he (Barkley) said he was going to run in '98 as a Republican."
A: I have never been a Republican. I said I was rich like a Republican. I don't think the Democrats are that much better, though I loved Bill Clinton. ... And I like Arnold and Maria (Shriver).
Q: Would you support Hillary Clinton's presidential bid in 2008?
A: I like (Barack) Obama and John Edwards. I think America is sexist. I don't think she could be elected. I don't think they'll elect a black man either, but maybe as vice president.
Q: Since we're talking politics here, have you been following the arena situation in Sacramento - specifically, the inability of the Maloofs, the city/county officials and local business leaders to produce a viable plan that could be submitted for a public vote?
A: Of course. I don't know all the details, but it would be a travesty if they move that team. Kings fans have been the best in the NBA for the last 20 years. They supported that team when it stunk up the joint. I just hate to see these owners holding cities hostage. We've seen it all over the country. The Maloofs should pay half. All the owners should pay half. No way the league should let that team move.
Q: What do you think of David Stern's decision to take the leadership role? I'm sure you're aware that he has hired consultants and become personally involved in discussions.
A: I think it's terrific. We're very fortunate to have somebody like David Stern as our commissioner. Obviously I'm biased, but he's the best commissioner in sports.
Q: Any hard feelings linger from all those occasions you were summoned to the league office for a scolding?
A: No, no. It was only a couple of times ... when I got arrested. And David was right. He got on me pretty good. He's like a stern parent. There's not a lot of yelling and screaming, but you know when you're in there, he's in control. He's pretty intimidating. Your ego is checked at the door.
Q: Do you agree with his recent decisions regarding the dress code, the new/old ball, the penalties assessed against players involved in the brawl in Madison Square Garden?
A: Yeah. It was a bad idea to change the balls, though. I'm glad we have the old ones back.
I love the dress code. Where the game is now ... the only thing that concerns me is that I'm not sure the guys today want to be great players. The money has warped their sense of competition. They all want to be rich and famous like me (laugh). But I can honestly say that, when I played, we all wanted to be great.
Q: Why do you think the mentality has changed?
A: All the attention guys get on ESPN - and I love ESPN. Then the coaches are so intimidated by players today. We talked about that during (Thursday's) game. Phil Jackson benched Andrew Bynum for being late, but most of these coaches are so intimidated, they're afraid to coach. The one thing that hasn't changed ... it always comes down to defense and rebounding. That's why I said I didn't think Phoenix or Dallas could win it all if they didn't improve their defense. That's the same reason ... people think I don't like Sacramento. ...
Q: The prevailing sentiment is that you're not a fan of our city. Are you saying it's a misperception?
A: Yeah. I honestly like Sacramento. It's a beautiful city. I just said I didn't think they (Kings) were going to beat the Lakers (in 2002) because they weren't good enough defensively. And they had their chances - three, four legitimate shots at it.
That's all you can ask for. It's nothing personal. The Lakers had the better defense.
Q: Yet you have to admit, it's pretty comical hearing you talk about defense. How can we say this delicately: Defense wasn't exactly your forte?
A: (Laugh). That was the one thing ... I wish I had added that to my game. But first of all, Larry Bird wasn't a great defender. Magic Johnson wasn't a great defender. Michael (Jordan) was the only guy who was great at both. If I had a chance to do it over again, which I don't, of course, I would concentrate on defense more.
Q: Can the current Kings improve enough defensively to make the playoffs?
A: They are going to have to play defense. I like Eric Musselman. I think he did a good job in Golden State. But their team is in the worst possible position. They're in no-man's land. I like their young guys, but they need to get rid of their old guys.
Mike Bibby would be making a huge mistake opting out of his contract. There is a ton of money ... he's not going to make out there. I like Mike Bibby, but him and (Brad) Miller and (Ron) Artest are on the downside of their careers, and the young players are just starting out. The best-case scenario, the Kings barely make the playoffs. They won't be contenders for the next two, three years. So they should make moves, trade their veterans or let their contracts expire, and start over, which is why I thought hiring Musselman was a good idea.
Q: Who do you think are the league's best coaches?
A: (Jerry) Sloan is up there. Phil Jackson, Pat Riley. I love Gregg Popovich. I think 'Pop' and Jerry Sloan are the most underrated coaches in the league. And I feel bad for Sloan. He's one of the best coaches of the last 25 years, and because he hasn't won the whole thing, he doesn't get the credit he deserves.
Q: Do you have greater empathy for him because of your own experience? You came so close to the title with the Phoenix Suns in 1993. I can still see John Paxson's three-pointer in Game Six. Do those memories haunt you?
A: Not really, because I know what kind of player I was. It's the same thing with the (original) Dream Team. I only think about it when people bring it up. I get to fighting with my family because they want me to keep the trophies and all that stuff. But I don't need trophies and rings. I know what I accomplished.
Q: Speaking of accomplishments, what were your feelings when Bobby Knight broke the record for college coaching victories?
A: Do I dislike him because he didn't pick me for the (1984) Olympic team? No, not at all. Hey, he's the same guy who ran off Larry Bird at Indiana. People should be more concerned about that. Larry and I both did all right.
Q: Two Olympic gold medals. One Most Valuable Player award. Recognition as one of the NBA's top 50 players - and its most charismatic character. Not bad for someone who, as you used to say, "was just a fat kid from Leeds." I hasten to add -you also have always been among the league's most generous superstars and without question its most charismatic personality. Yet you travel without an entourage, mingle with fans, sign autographs, and have never suffered from an inflated ego. How does that happen?
A: I don't take myself too seriously. I talk about basketball.
Q: What does your daughter, Christiana, think of what you have achieved? Is she a big fan of yours?
A: (Laugh) Haaa! She doesn't like sports. She played basketball a couple of years but didn't like it.
Q: That must be tough.
A: Tell me about it. She's a shopper, but she's a good girl, and she gets good grades, so I'm happy.
Q: Governor of Alabama, huh? Is Leeds ready for the return of Charles?
A: I'm working on it. I'm always trying to challenge myself. I think I would like to be a general manager first, if the opportunity comes up. I think it would be fun trying to put a team together. Right now, I'm concentrating on losing weight, working on my body. My back and knees are killing me.
Q: Charles, nice chatting with you, as always.
A: Can I say something else? I was really surprised at how nice everyone was to me in Sacramento. A few people asked me, "Why don't you like Sacramento?" (Sigh). I just didn't think they were going to beat the Lakers the other night, either.
About the writer: The Bee's Ailene Voisin can be reached at (916) 321-1208 or avoisin@sacbee.com.
Ailene Voisin: Barkley hopes to reign once more
By Ailene Voisin - Bee Sports Columnist
Last Updated 6:12 am PST Monday, January 8, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C1
While assorted celebrities attended Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's inaugural celebrations here Thursday, TNT analyst Charles Barkley worked the Kings-Lakers game at Arco Arena. Perhaps inspired by all the political happenings, the Hall of Fame forward reiterated his plans to run for governor of his native Alabama and disclosed a target date: 2014. Of course, when it comes to Barkley, nothing is sacred. Or certain. In recent conversations with Bee columnist Ailene Voisin, the always engaging, provocative personality elaborated on everything from politics, to his daughter's favorite pastime, to the quickest way for Geoff Petrie to revive the Kings.
Q: With all the partying going on downtown, it must have been a bit distracting for you having to work at Arco on Thursday night. Do you still envision yourself hosting similar bashes one of these years?
A: Yeah, I'm planning on running in 2014. I live in Phoenix, and it takes seven years to establish residency in Alabama, so I'm working on that now. Most people talk about liberal and conservative. I want to talk about rich and poor. The gap in America is widening and I want to do something about it.
Q: As a Democrat or Republican?
A: As an independent ... though maybe as a Democrat. I'm very disappointed in the Republicans. I don't like Bush at all. He might be a good guy, but he has taken the Republicans too far to the right.
Q: Correct me if I'm wrong here, but when I visited Leeds, Ala., on election eve in 1994, days after you first announced your intention to run for governor at a future date, you planned to do so as a Republican. The reaction among your friends and relatives was consistent; everyone I spoke with was appalled. City councilman Kenneth Washington told me, "I almost melted in my chair like cheese when he (Barkley) said he was going to run in '98 as a Republican."
A: I have never been a Republican. I said I was rich like a Republican. I don't think the Democrats are that much better, though I loved Bill Clinton. ... And I like Arnold and Maria (Shriver).
Q: Would you support Hillary Clinton's presidential bid in 2008?
A: I like (Barack) Obama and John Edwards. I think America is sexist. I don't think she could be elected. I don't think they'll elect a black man either, but maybe as vice president.
Q: Since we're talking politics here, have you been following the arena situation in Sacramento - specifically, the inability of the Maloofs, the city/county officials and local business leaders to produce a viable plan that could be submitted for a public vote?
A: Of course. I don't know all the details, but it would be a travesty if they move that team. Kings fans have been the best in the NBA for the last 20 years. They supported that team when it stunk up the joint. I just hate to see these owners holding cities hostage. We've seen it all over the country. The Maloofs should pay half. All the owners should pay half. No way the league should let that team move.
Q: What do you think of David Stern's decision to take the leadership role? I'm sure you're aware that he has hired consultants and become personally involved in discussions.
A: I think it's terrific. We're very fortunate to have somebody like David Stern as our commissioner. Obviously I'm biased, but he's the best commissioner in sports.
Q: Any hard feelings linger from all those occasions you were summoned to the league office for a scolding?
A: No, no. It was only a couple of times ... when I got arrested. And David was right. He got on me pretty good. He's like a stern parent. There's not a lot of yelling and screaming, but you know when you're in there, he's in control. He's pretty intimidating. Your ego is checked at the door.
Q: Do you agree with his recent decisions regarding the dress code, the new/old ball, the penalties assessed against players involved in the brawl in Madison Square Garden?
A: Yeah. It was a bad idea to change the balls, though. I'm glad we have the old ones back.
I love the dress code. Where the game is now ... the only thing that concerns me is that I'm not sure the guys today want to be great players. The money has warped their sense of competition. They all want to be rich and famous like me (laugh). But I can honestly say that, when I played, we all wanted to be great.
Q: Why do you think the mentality has changed?
A: All the attention guys get on ESPN - and I love ESPN. Then the coaches are so intimidated by players today. We talked about that during (Thursday's) game. Phil Jackson benched Andrew Bynum for being late, but most of these coaches are so intimidated, they're afraid to coach. The one thing that hasn't changed ... it always comes down to defense and rebounding. That's why I said I didn't think Phoenix or Dallas could win it all if they didn't improve their defense. That's the same reason ... people think I don't like Sacramento. ...
Q: The prevailing sentiment is that you're not a fan of our city. Are you saying it's a misperception?
A: Yeah. I honestly like Sacramento. It's a beautiful city. I just said I didn't think they (Kings) were going to beat the Lakers (in 2002) because they weren't good enough defensively. And they had their chances - three, four legitimate shots at it.
That's all you can ask for. It's nothing personal. The Lakers had the better defense.
Q: Yet you have to admit, it's pretty comical hearing you talk about defense. How can we say this delicately: Defense wasn't exactly your forte?
A: (Laugh). That was the one thing ... I wish I had added that to my game. But first of all, Larry Bird wasn't a great defender. Magic Johnson wasn't a great defender. Michael (Jordan) was the only guy who was great at both. If I had a chance to do it over again, which I don't, of course, I would concentrate on defense more.
Q: Can the current Kings improve enough defensively to make the playoffs?
A: They are going to have to play defense. I like Eric Musselman. I think he did a good job in Golden State. But their team is in the worst possible position. They're in no-man's land. I like their young guys, but they need to get rid of their old guys.
Mike Bibby would be making a huge mistake opting out of his contract. There is a ton of money ... he's not going to make out there. I like Mike Bibby, but him and (Brad) Miller and (Ron) Artest are on the downside of their careers, and the young players are just starting out. The best-case scenario, the Kings barely make the playoffs. They won't be contenders for the next two, three years. So they should make moves, trade their veterans or let their contracts expire, and start over, which is why I thought hiring Musselman was a good idea.
Q: Who do you think are the league's best coaches?
A: (Jerry) Sloan is up there. Phil Jackson, Pat Riley. I love Gregg Popovich. I think 'Pop' and Jerry Sloan are the most underrated coaches in the league. And I feel bad for Sloan. He's one of the best coaches of the last 25 years, and because he hasn't won the whole thing, he doesn't get the credit he deserves.
Q: Do you have greater empathy for him because of your own experience? You came so close to the title with the Phoenix Suns in 1993. I can still see John Paxson's three-pointer in Game Six. Do those memories haunt you?
A: Not really, because I know what kind of player I was. It's the same thing with the (original) Dream Team. I only think about it when people bring it up. I get to fighting with my family because they want me to keep the trophies and all that stuff. But I don't need trophies and rings. I know what I accomplished.
Q: Speaking of accomplishments, what were your feelings when Bobby Knight broke the record for college coaching victories?
A: Do I dislike him because he didn't pick me for the (1984) Olympic team? No, not at all. Hey, he's the same guy who ran off Larry Bird at Indiana. People should be more concerned about that. Larry and I both did all right.
Q: Two Olympic gold medals. One Most Valuable Player award. Recognition as one of the NBA's top 50 players - and its most charismatic character. Not bad for someone who, as you used to say, "was just a fat kid from Leeds." I hasten to add -you also have always been among the league's most generous superstars and without question its most charismatic personality. Yet you travel without an entourage, mingle with fans, sign autographs, and have never suffered from an inflated ego. How does that happen?
A: I don't take myself too seriously. I talk about basketball.
Q: What does your daughter, Christiana, think of what you have achieved? Is she a big fan of yours?
A: (Laugh) Haaa! She doesn't like sports. She played basketball a couple of years but didn't like it.
Q: That must be tough.
A: Tell me about it. She's a shopper, but she's a good girl, and she gets good grades, so I'm happy.
Q: Governor of Alabama, huh? Is Leeds ready for the return of Charles?
A: I'm working on it. I'm always trying to challenge myself. I think I would like to be a general manager first, if the opportunity comes up. I think it would be fun trying to put a team together. Right now, I'm concentrating on losing weight, working on my body. My back and knees are killing me.
Q: Charles, nice chatting with you, as always.
A: Can I say something else? I was really surprised at how nice everyone was to me in Sacramento. A few people asked me, "Why don't you like Sacramento?" (Sigh). I just didn't think they were going to beat the Lakers the other night, either.
About the writer: The Bee's Ailene Voisin can be reached at (916) 321-1208 or avoisin@sacbee.com.
