Few would argue with the assertion that Charles Barkley is one of the most outspoken people in the history of sports and the entertainment industry. It feels like there aren’t too many people who can intimidate him or truly quiet him down. However, there was at least one person who managed to accomplish that goal years ago, and it was none other than late NBA great Bill Russell .
The iconic Boston Celtic apparently gave Barkley a stern message after the latter complained about his taxes at one point. Charles Barkley has had plenty of notable interactions with high-profile NBA players, like Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal and Julius Erving. Barkley was also friends with Michael Jordan , before they had a falling-out.
As the Round Mound of Rebound explained on the Let’s Go podcast, he hadn’t been acquainted with Mr. Russell ahead of the eleven-time champion sending that tax-related message. However, that definitely didn’t stop him from giving Barkley a call and explaining to him just why he shouldn’t complain: I’m playing for the Sixers, it’s in the late ‘80s.
I was complaining about my taxes, and I didn’t know Mr. Russell well. And he called me.
He says, ‘Is this Charles Barkley?’ I said, ' Yes, who's this?' He said, 'Bill Russell.' I said, ‘Hey, Mr. Russell.
' He’s like, 'Shut the hell up and listen to me!’ He says, 'Son, let me tell you something. Where’d you grow up?' I said, 'I grew up in Alabama.' [He says,] 'Did you go to public school?' I .