Charles Barkley Critical Of Lavar Ball’s Behavior

NBA legend Charles Barkley was asked to give his thoughts regarding NBA father Lavar Ball in the wake of a controversial comment by Ball during an appearance on ESPN. Barkley, as usual, was not shy about giving his opinion and characterized Ball as the ‘village idiot.’ Barkley also says it would be best if the media chose to not show Ball on television in the future.

The recent controversy began During an episode of ESPN’s First Take. During a segment of the show, host Molly Qerim attempted to redirect a conversation between guests by saying it is time to shift gears. Ball responded by saying he would switch gears with Qerim anytime.

Querim was a little taken aback by the comment and responded by saying ‘stay focused.’ ESPN released a statement later in the day and called the comments inappropriate.

This is not the first time the comments and behavior of Lavar Ball have caused controversy. While appearing on FS1 in 2017, he caused a stir by telling host Kristin Leahy to stay in her lane.

Charles Barkley feels the burden of dealing with their father’s behavior is unfair to Ball’s three basketball-playing sons. Barkley singled out Ball’s oldest son Lonzo, a third-year NBA player, saying he is a nice kid and a good basketball player, according to Complex.com.

Lonzo Ball was recently traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the New Orleans Pelicans. Barkley was asked if he thought the media’s handling of Ball in a smaller market will be different from what was experienced in Los Angeles. Barkley responded by saying Lavar Ball is an idiot in every state.

Lavar Ball has voiced his criticism of ESPN’s handling of the situation with Qerim and disagrees with people who deem his comment to be inappropriate. Ball gave a brief interview on the matter while attending the Drew League Basketball game of his son LaMelo.

Ball says he meant no sexual intent when he made the comments. He said that ‘switching gears’ to him only meant there would be a change of topics. Ball also said that Querim’s interpretation of his comments signified her mind was in the gutter.

Ball also commented on reports he is presently banned from appearances on ESPN. In his typical defiant manner, Ball questioned how ESPN could ban him. He made it clear he is not an employee of the sports network and reminded everyone he has his own television show.