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 side has modified the whole lot as a result of their relations are tweeting dangerous stuff about you after which all their followers bounce in,” Barkley mentioned throughout his current 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 mentioned it to them, they could get mad for a second. I mentioned, ‘Dude, simply because considered one of 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, may be overwhelming and damaging if athletes don’t learn to filter it.
The Corridor of Famer credited his mentor Julius Erving with educating him how one can course of criticism.
“Dr. J gave me an amazing lesson again once I first began,” Barkley mentioned. “He mentioned ‘Bear in mind one factor, is the criticism honest?’ That’s the very first thing it’s a must to ask your self. Is the criticism honest? 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 conduct. He admitted that there have been moments when he wished to combat again however mentioned Erving’s recommendation gave him perspective and helped him give attention to progress moderately 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 break plenty of athletes’ lives,” he additionally sees it as a instrument for motivation and self-expression if dealt with correctly.
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