National Basketball Association

Reports: Barkley could donate TV salary

Published Oct. 13, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

The NBA lockout might have one unintended consequence that will benefit a charity — Charles Barkley has expressed a willingness to donate his TNT salary while the NBA remains locked out, according to multiple reports.

In a recent radio interview, Barkley said, "I don't think it’s cool for me to take money I haven't earned ... my decision is either going to be defer it or give it to charity."

Barkley did reiterate that he hasn’t made a final decision.

The NBA Hall of Famer is one prominent name who has stated his belief that the lockout might last the entire season.

"The problem I have is if these guys hold out all season, it’s going to be a lot of money," Barkley also said in the interview. "That's why I have to make that decision. I haven't made the final decision."

While Barkley doesn't have a final answer about his salary, he has stated his feelings regarding the issues at the center of the NBA negotiations — and it seems he supports the NBA commissioner's attempts to level the financial playing field in the NBA.

"That's what this thing is about," he said. "They're not going to just let the big markets dominate like they do in baseball."