Charles Barkley has by no means been afraid to talk his thoughts, however he admits that right this moment’s athletes face a really totally different problem than he did throughout his taking part in profession: social media.
“The social media facet 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 once they name me out explaining why I mentioned it to them, they could get mad for a second. I mentioned, ‘Dude, simply because certainly one of your followers took it personally, don’t overreact.’”
Barkley defined that on-line negativity doesn’t simply goal gamers, it usually extends to their family members. That fixed publicity, he believes, could be overwhelming and damaging if athletes don’t learn to filter it.
The Corridor of Famer credited his mentor Julius Erving with educating him course of criticism.
“Dr. J gave me an ideal lesson again after I first began,” Barkley mentioned. “He mentioned ‘Bear in mind one factor, is the criticism truthful?’ That’s the very first thing you need to ask your self. Is the criticism truthful? Some guys are going to take photographs 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 habits. He admitted that there have been moments when he wished to struggle again however mentioned Erving’s recommendation gave him perspective and helped him concentrate on development quite 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 an alternative 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 loads of athletes’ lives,” he additionally sees it as a device for motivation and self-expression if dealt with correctly.
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