Charles Barkley’s decision to boycott the 2025 NBA All-Star Game and avoid San Francisco was about as short-lived as his retirement.
Barkley has long had a rocky relationship with both the Golden State Warriors and the city of San Francisco, frequently making no secret of his disdain for either. Last month, he even called the city a “rat-infested place” and vowed to stay far away from the All-Star festivities.
But staying true to who Charles Barkley is, he made the trip for TNT’s final NBA All-Star Weekend.
It’s just another NBA city in which he doesn’t have many friends.
This weekend, Barkley was already mercilessly booed by the crowd after trying to compliment The City by The Bay while also invoking the city’s homeless population. Perhaps the San Francisco faithful hadn’t forgotten that this is the same Barkley who bashed their town for its “homeless crooks,” adding that you need a “bulletproof vest” to walk around the city during last year’s All-Star Game altcast.
Charles Barkley doesn’t seem to be making any friends in San Francisco pic.twitter.com/69gSdBdQH9
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 14, 2025
Barkley tried to save face by paying another shoutout to a city with no fondness for him.
“Shoutout to the people of San Francisco — and especially the mayor (Daniel Lurie),” Chuck said Sunday. “They put on a — I met the mayor a couple of times, man. And, hopefully, we can do something about the homeless population.
San Francisco probably isn’t going to appreciate Charles Barkley’s latest attempt at a shoutout. pic.twitter.com/Ij75EAbkDW
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 17, 2025
Despite the thinly veiled barbs, Barkley has walked the walk when it comes to his criticisms. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, he has pledged $250k to combat homelessness in the city and even spent his Saturday volunteering, serving meals to those in need.
So, while his words might not be winning him any popularity contests, his actions are making a tangible impact.
