Former NBA star Charles Barkley is once again stirring debate, this time over parenting.
During a recent appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Barkley defended spanking as a form of discipline. He argued that some modern parenting approaches lack firmness and accountability.
“I believe in discipline. I’m not going around telling people to beat their kids,” Barkley said. “But I think if you don’t spank your kids and discipline them, they turn into some of these brats that we got today.”
His comments quickly drew attention across social media and parenting circles. The Hall of Famer made clear he expected backlash but remained unapologetic.
“You can blast me on social media,” Barkley said. “I don’t ever read any comments. I don’t care what y’all think.”
A Familiar Voice, A Controversial Take
Barkley, known for his outspoken style during his playing and broadcasting career, linked discipline at home to behavior in sports. He suggested that younger athletes struggle with coaching because they were not held accountable as children.
“You can’t even yell at them anymore,” Barkley said. “Yes, hell you can yell at your kids.”
He added that spanking, when used appropriately, helps children understand consequences.
“I’m not here for child abuse,” Barkley said. “But how are kids gonna know they’re doing something wrong?”
The remarks echo similar positions Barkley has expressed in past years. He has long argued that strict parenting helped shape his own development.
Experts Push Back on Corporal Punishment
While Barkley framed spanking as discipline, medical experts strongly disagree.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against corporal punishment. The group says research links spanking to negative outcomes, including increased aggression and mental health issues.
Dr. Robert D. Sege, a pediatrician involved in the group’s policy, emphasized alternatives.
“The purpose of discipline is to teach children good behavior,” Sege said. “Effective discipline does so without the use of corporal punishment.”
The organization recommends strategies such as positive reinforcement and consistent, non-physical consequences.
Despite the criticism, Barkley made clear he stands by his views. “I’m gonna say what I gotta say,” he said. “Some of y’all gonna like it. Some of y’all are not.”
