Charles Barkley is back in San Antonio for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship game, and it didn’t take long for him to reignite his long-standing and playful rivalry with the city.
During a performance at the Capital One JamFest on Sunday night—just one day after his alma mater, Auburn, lost their Final Four matchup against Florida—Barkley didn’t miss an opportunity to stir the pot. As he took the stage, he turned his attention to the women of San Antonio with a familiar line.
“Yes, y’all got some big bitches here,” Barkley said, to the delight of the crowd, who erupted in cheers at the classic jab.
The Barkley-San Antonio Feud: All in Good Fun
This playful feud has become somewhat of a tradition for Barkley, who’s been known for poking fun at the Alamo City and its residents in the past. Though the comment drew laughter, it has also sparked controversy at times. Barkley’s “big women” jokes have been a recurring theme for years, and despite any criticism, it’s clear that the NBA legend still enjoys keeping the rivalry alive—especially when he has a mic in his hand.
Back in 2021, Barkley revealed that he had been asked to stop joking about San Antonio’s size on his show, Inside the NBA. At the time, he claimed it was due to cancel culture and criticism from the media, including a local newspaper article that labeled his remarks as “fat-shaming.”
“You can’t even have fun nowadays without these jackasses trying to get you canceled,” Barkley said during an interview, defending his humor and the lighthearted nature of his remarks.
Barkley’s Humor Survives Live Mic Moments
Despite the previous restrictions, Barkley’s live mic moment at the Capital One JamFest shows that the 62-year-old hasn’t lost his sense of humor or his knack for ruffling feathers. The crowd’s enthusiastic response made it clear that his signature humor still lands, even in the face of modern sensitivities.
While his comments may have sparked some backlash over the years, it seems Barkley’s playful ribbing remains a crowd favorite—especially in the heart of San Antonio.
More Barkley to Come?
With the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship coming to a close, it remains to be seen if Barkley will continue to keep the playful jabs going as he takes his commentary from San Antonio to the next chapter in his legendary career. Whether fans love him or hate him, Charles Barkley is sure to remain one of the most entertaining figures in sports media.
