Charles Barkley had more than just basketball on his mind during CBS’ March Madness broadcast on Sunday.
The analyst took aim at President Donald Trump’s immigration policies after an article about University of Connecticut star Alex Karaban whose parents emigrated to the US from Eastern Europe.
“I want to be very careful with my words right now. Because this is a very sensitive topic for me,” Barkley said. “I love that child and his family, but the way some of these other immigrants are being treated in our country right now is a travesty and a shame.
“I think there’s a difference between great immigrants and criminal immigrants, and I think what’s happening in our country — what we’re doing to some of these great immigrants — is really unfortunate and really sad.”
He continued, “And that’s a great immigrant story. We have a lot of great immigrant stories whose stories need to be told. But some of the things that are happening to immigrants in our country right now are really unfortunate and really unfair. But immigrants built this country, and we should admire them and respect them.”
Host Nate Burleson, who seemed moved by the basketball Hall of Famer’s words, said, “Chuck, I love you, bro.”
Barkley made his comments during a weekend in which Americans once again took to the streets at “No Kings” rallies to protest Trump’s mistreatment of immigrants, the war in Iran and other issues.
Democrats are holding out on the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security to impose limits on the scope and severity of ICE operations. Two Americans have been killed by federal agents during ICE operations.
Barkley also showed his candor on issues not entirely related to hoops during last year’s NCAA tournament.
As for Karaban, his team advanced to the Final Four with a dramatic win over Duke. The Huskies will play Illinois in one national semifinal on Saturday, while Arizona and Michigan will meet in the other.
