Charles Barkley Shreds ‘Rat Infested’ Liberal City, ‘I’m Not Going, No, Nope, Nope, Nope’ [WATCH]

Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley took aim at San Francisco once again, making it clear during an episode of TNT’s Inside the NBA that he has no intention of attending the upcoming NBA All-Star Game, set to be hosted by the Golden State Warriors at the Oracle Arena.

While discussing the All-Star potential of Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, Barkley said Cunningham deserved a spot on the roster but emphasized that he would not be present at the event.

“He’s going to make the All-Star Team,” Barkley stated. “I’m not going. I’m not going to that rat-infested place out in San Francisco.”

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Barkley’s comments drew reactions from his co-hosts, with one referring to San Francisco as “beautiful.” Barkley immediately pushed back.

“San Francisco is not a beautiful city. Rats. Cats. Y’all are not gonna make me like San Francisco. No. Nope, nope, nope,” he responded.

“I’m not going. I’m not going to that rat-infested place out in San Francisco…San Francisco is not a beautiful city.” – Charles Barkley pic.twitter.com/7fXWMCV5um

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 17, 2025

This is not the first time Barkley has publicly criticized San Francisco.

During last year’s All-Star Game alternative broadcast, held in Indianapolis, Barkley disparaged the city while comparing it to the Indiana capital.

He asked fellow broadcaster Reggie Miller whether he would prefer Indianapolis’ cold weather or “being around a bunch of homeless crooks in San Francisco.”

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green, a vocal supporter of San Francisco, has frequently clashed with Barkley over his criticism of the city.

Following Barkley’s remarks, Green called him “crazy” and asserted that Barkley was not “welcome” in San Francisco.

WNBA star Candace Parker also defended the city, stating, “We love San Francisco.” Barkley, however, doubled down. “No, we don’t,” he replied. “… You can’t even walk around down there.”

Green retorted, “Yes, you can walk around,” to which Barkley shot back, “Yeah, with a bulletproof vest.”

Charles Barkley saying San Francisco is full of homeless crooks was probably the best moment of the NBA All Star Game. pic.twitter.com/xwdfz4HARr

— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) February 19, 2024

San Francisco’s newly elected mayor, Daniel Lurie, has pledged to tackle the city’s challenges, including crime, homelessness, and affordability.

In his inauguration speech, Lurie vowed to make the city’s streets safer, address the ongoing drug and behavioral health crises, and create more affordable housing.

While Lurie’s promises aim to address the issues highlighted by critics like Barkley, San Francisco’s struggles with crime and homelessness remain a national topic of discussion.

Known for his candid and often controversial remarks, Barkley has consistently spoken out on various topics both inside and outside the world of basketball.

His criticism of San Francisco has sparked debates among fans and analysts alike, with some agreeing with his concerns and others dismissing his comments as exaggerated.

As the All-Star Game approaches, Barkley’s refusal to attend adds another layer of tension to an event that brings together the NBA’s top talent.

Whether his comments will spark further backlash or fuel continued debate about the city remains to be seen.

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