Charles Barkley has by no means been afraid to talk his thoughts, however he admits that in the present day’s athletes face a really completely different problem than he did throughout his enjoying profession: social media.
“The social media facet has modified every little thing as a result of their members of the family are tweeting unhealthy stuff about you after which all their followers soar in,” Barkley stated throughout his latest look on The Kittle Issues. “I by no means take criticisms personally as a result of like after they name me out explaining why I stated it to them, they could get mad for a second. I stated, ‘Dude, simply because one in all your followers took it personally, don’t overreact.’”
Barkley defined that on-line negativity doesn’t simply goal gamers, it typically extends to their family members. That fixed publicity, he believes, will be overwhelming and damaging if athletes don’t learn to filter it.
The Corridor of Famer credited his mentor Julius Erving with instructing him learn how to course of criticism.
“Dr. J gave me an excellent lesson again after I first began,” Barkley stated. “He stated ‘Keep in mind one factor, is the criticism truthful?’ That’s the very first thing you must ask your self. Is the criticism truthful? Some guys are going to take pictures at you simply to get clicks now.”
Throughout his time with the Philadelphia 76ers, Barkley endured harsh criticism about his weight, efficiency, and off-court habits. He admitted that there have been moments when he needed to struggle again however stated Erving’s recommendation gave him perspective and helped him give attention to progress quite than anger.
Barkley has carried that philosophy into his broadcasting profession on Contained in the NBA, the place jokes about his ringless profession are fixed. As a substitute of taking offense, he laughs it off. To him, it’s about acknowledging what’s true whereas not letting negativity derail him.
Whereas Barkley warns that social media “has the potential to destroy lots of athletes’ lives,” he additionally sees it as a instrument for motivation and self-expression if dealt with correctly.
READ MORE: Michael Redd Reveals How the Redeem Group Checked Their Egos
