LeBron James says that race has played a role in the massive backlash he has received since joining the Miami Heat over the summer.
Charles Barkley disagrees. The former NBA star spoke with WIP in Philadelphia and called out LeBron for his comments on race.
Barkley repeatedly referred to the James saga as a bad movie and said the criticism he has heard have nothing to do with race.
"The only criticism I've heard about LeBron and it was my biggest criticism, that decision thing was just stupid. It was stupid," Barkley said. "The second thing when they all came out there dancing around on stage, that was silly. That's the only thing I've heard LeBron get criticized about. That has nothing to do with race."
"It's like watching a movie," the Basketball Hall of Famer added. "Just when you think it couldn't get any stupider, it gets more stupid."
The TNT analyst also ripped ESPN for reporting on the Heat training camp every day and catering to James. "They have definitely crossed the line and this is unprecedented," he said. "This is unprecedented ass kissing."
The interview was transcribed by Sports Radio Interviews. You can listen to the entire segment here.