Charles Barkley’s Unbelievable College Basketball Stories Stun Co-Hosts

ATLANTA, Ga. — Charles Barkley provided a memorable moment during a recent March Madness broadcast by sharing an unbelievable story from his college basketball days. While discussing the behind-the-scenes work of student managers and trainers, Barkley recounted how players used to take showers in their uniforms to keep them clean amid a hectic tournament schedule.

“Shout-out to all the trainers, and the guys who do all the uniforms,” Barkley said. “I’m so old, we used to take a shower in our uniforms.” His co-host, Kenny ‘The Jet’ Smith, was incredulous.

“Time out,” Smith interjected. “There’s no era where you did this. You’re making this up. No one in their right mind has ever done that.” Barkley remained adamant about his experience.

“When I first got to the [university], we flew commercial,” Barkley explained. “So when you played the night before, and flew the next morning, when was you exactly going to get your uniform clean? You had to wash your uniform yourself. So, after the game, when you got to your room, you took a shower in your uniform and dried it and dropped it on the commercial plane the next day.”

Clark Kellogg, another member of the broadcast team, chimed in, questioning the story. “You can clean your uniform without showering in it,” he said.

Barkley’s offbeat recollections provided comic relief and highlighted his distinctive presence on the broadcast. They illustrate why Barkley has remained a beloved figure in sports media over the years, often engaging audiences both with humor and nostalgia.

This year, March Madness showcases 68 teams competing for the NCAA Division I championship title. UConn has ambitions of making history, seeking to become only the second team to claim a three-peat after winning the title the previous two years.

For those in the UK seeking to enjoy the tournament, Sky Sports is broadcasting every game through their streaming service, ensuring fans do not miss a moment of the excitement.

Barkley’s lively storytelling not only entertained viewers but also reflected the rigorous realities college athletes faced in previous eras. As fans gear up for the tournament, such anecdotes add a layer of personal history to the ongoing dialogue surrounding March Madness.