Charles Barkley weighs in on Russell Wilson ‘not black enough’ report

Charles Barkley has never been shy about expressing his opinion on race-related issues. On Friday, Barkley was asked for his thoughts on the reports about the Seattle Seahawks not thinking Russell Wilson is “black enough.” He did not hold back.

During an interview with Anthony Gargano and Rob Ellis on WIP Radio in Philadelphia, Barkley ripped “unintelligent” African-Americans who feel that being successful in school and staying out of trouble make you less of a black person.

[Previously: Here’s the report Barkley was asked about]

“When you are black, you have to deal with so much crap in your life from other black people,” Barkley said, as transcribed by The Big Lead. “It’s a dirty, dark secret, I’m glad it’s coming out. … I say, you know, with young black kids, you know when they do well in school, the loser kids tell them, you are acting white. The kids that speak intelligently, they tell them, you are acting white.

For some reason, we are brainwashed to think if you are not a thug or an idiot, you are not black enough. If you go to school, get good grades, speak intelligent, and don’t break the law, you are not a good black person.”

Barkley also said one of the reasons black people will “never be successful as a whole” is because of other “unintelligent” African-American people and their preconceived notion of what makes a “good black person.”

After his team’s win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Wilson was asked about the adversity the Seattle Seahawks have faced and some of the things that have been written about him.

“There is no doubt that we are more together than ever before And so, in terms of me, not black enough thing, I think you are talking about, I don’t even know what that means,” Wilson said, per Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times. “I don’t know. I believe that I am an educated young male that is not perfect. That tries to do things right, that just tries to lead and tries to help others and tries to wins games for this football team, for this franchise. And that’s all I focus on.”

If you remember, Barkley also said he felt the decision in the George Zimmerman case was the right one. He also said he doesn’t want “White America” dictating how the N-word should be used. Sir Charles never disappoints when asked for his opinion on a racial issue.

H/T Mediaite