Charles Barkley: ‘NBA Doesn’t Have the Balls’ to Suspend Lebron James in Hypocrisy Accusation

Charles Barkley, NBA Analyst, and Hall of Famer accused the NBA of being too easy on LeBron James. James breached the NBA’s Covid-19 protocols when he was seen partying with the world-famous rapper, Drake and actor, Michael B. Jordan, among others. Sources told Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN that James won’t be suspended because the, “nature of the event didn’t rise to a threat level of virus spread”.

The event that James attended was a promotional event for a tequila brand. There was an outdoor photoshoot where Drake, James and Michael B. Jordan were photographed maskless. All invitees, allegedly, were required to either show proof of vaccination or recent negative Covid-19 test results to attend the event.

LeBron James has offered cryptic responses when asked if he has been vaccinated.

LeBron James’ answers when asked about the COVID-19 vaccine by @kylegoon this afternoon: pic.twitter.com/8cxa7EOXQq

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 21, 2021

According to James’ teammate, Dennis Schroder, LeBron has not been vaccinated. Schroder said this on vaccinations: “Nearly the whole team is vaccinated – only LeBron and I are not, I think.”

Translation from a German article with an Interview with Dennis Schröder:

“Nearly the whole team is vaccinated – only LeBron and I are not, I think.”

“I can’t go into quarantine again, if that happens now, I‘ll miss a whole round in the playoffs. I can’t live with that” pic.twitter.com/heNvJtfFQG

— Deandre Hayton (@YCSNOW23) May 3, 2021

Unlike the NBA commissioner, Charles Barkley truly took note of LeBron James’ actions and accused the NBA of giving James preferable treatment. Barkley ripped into commissioner Adam Silver, saying that the NBA, “ain’t got the balls” to suspend LeBron due to the playoffs approaching.

Barkley said this: I love Adam Silver, rest in peace David Stern, the best commissioner in sports. The NBA ain’t got the balls to f—ing suspend LeBron James. Zero. Listen, today, when I read that, I just — sometimes you read stuff, you just start laughing. Hey, the NBA, they ain’t got no chance of suspending LeBron James. If it was a nobody, they would put him in healthy and safety protocols. Ain’t no f—ing way LeBron James is going to be sitting out with all the health and safety protocols. When I read that, I just started laughing. LeBron James is playing Sunday. Guarantee.

“Ain’t no f***ing way LeBron James is going to be sit out because of health and safety protocols.”

Charles Barkley weighs in on the NBA and LeBron as only he can 🗣

Story, ICYMI ➡️ https://t.co/oV0JHNbfQB pic.twitter.com/pll38v6CnU

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) May 22, 2021

Barkley’s prediction proved to be correct with LeBron’s violation of safety protocol being excused and he played last night against the Suns.

LeBron James’ availability vs. the Suns is not in question despite his violation of the NBA COVID protocols. pic.twitter.com/edH9ofrydZ

— theScore (@theScore) May 22, 2021

The NBA’s decision to not punish James caused a stir amongst certain NBA fans across twitter. One critic said, ” [Lebron is] the ultimate example of “rules for thee, but not for me” The same dude that talks about oppression and accountability gets special treatment…. LeBron James is a hypocrite… and Adam Silver and the NBA are absolute cucks”.

The ultimate example of “rules for thee, but not for me”

The same dude that talks about oppression and accountability gets special treatment….

LeBron James is a hypocrite… and Adam Silver and the NBA are absolute cucks 🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/G81PdZ2Vwp

— Robert Waters 🇺🇸 (@RSW_24) May 22, 2021

Another critic of Adam Silver said, “Lebron could crack open a can of sarin gas at staples and Adam Silver would fine him 5k and let him play”.

Lebron could crack open a can of sarin gas at staples and Adam Silver would fine him 5k and let him play

— jason c. (@netw3rk) May 22, 2021