by Ron Harris
Charles Barkley was arrested for driving under the influence on December 31. The former NBA star works as a studio analyst covering the NBA for Turner Network Television which announced yesterday that Barkley would be taking a leave of absence from his duties which is expected to last several weeks.
Now I understand that drunk driving is a serious offense. And in no way do I condone it. I've never driven while under the influence of alcohol and never would. But, I think some balance is needed here.
Why should Barkley lose his job because he was arrested for a traffic violation? Now I know that TNT says Barkley is taking a leave of absence not that he was suspended. But does anyone seriously think he wasn't pressured to do that?
And while he hasn't been fired yet in our politically correct world we have to recognize it's a possibility.
Would Microsoft or General Motors force an employee to take a leave of absence if he were arrested for driving under the influence? I doubt it.
Now if Barkley had had an accident or if there had been a pattern of multiple DWI arrests it would be different. But he didn't and there hasn't.
So why crucify him? It's just not fair.
Let the case make it's way through the legal system and let Charles Barkley do his job.