Charles Barkley, NBA Hall of Famer and one of Auburn University’s most famous alumni, has ignited controversy after publicly admitting he has given both legal and illegal financial contributions to Auburn’s athletic programs.
This admission has caused a tidal wave of allegations and heated disputes between fans and observers as some even condemn Auburn for “cheating” and criticize college sports in general.
Charles Barkley’s Shocking Admission: “Legal or Illegal, I’ve Given More Than Anyone”
In a recent interview with the “McElroy & Cubelic in the Morning” show, Barkley declared:
“I’ve given more money to Auburn, legal or illegal, than any athlete in the history of the school. And the notion that I’m going to come up with a couple million dollars every year so that we can be good at basketball and football – that’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”
NEW: Charles Barkley on NIL:
“I’ve given more money to Auburn, legal or illegal, than any athlete in the history of the school. And the notion that I’m going to come up with a couple million dollars every year so that we can be good at basketball and football — that’s the… pic.twitter.com/g9uBGxmFov
— On3 (@On3sports) May 14, 2025
Barkley’s statements were part of the conversation about the pressure on wealthy alumni to support NIL collectives, which can now legally can be used for college athletes to profit from endorsements and personal branding.
However, it was clear that some of Barkley’s giving happened even before the NIL era when such payments violated NCAA rules.
Barkley’s frank confession has fueled outrage and distrust from rival fanbases and college sports’ commentators. After Barkley’s comments, the phrase “they are cheating” became popular among fans, especially from rival schools, who believe that Barkley’s claims are a confirmation of the long-held rumors about improper booster’s involvement at Auburn.
Social media has been flooded with fans’ demands for investigations and NCAA scrutiny, saying that Barkley’s confession is proof of institutional cheating.
The critics noted that although NIL payments are now legal, Barkley’s reference to “illegal” contributions indicates violations during a time when the NCAA was strict against such booster payments to athletes.
The supporters of Auburn and Barkley have replied that such practices were common in college sports and the fact that Barkley is being honest is welcome, no matter how it exposes unpalatable truths. Despite the controversy, Auburn has kept mum over Barkley’s remarks.
Regardless of whether or not the NCAA follows up with an official investigation, the remarks by Barkley have only rekindled a dialogue that college athletics has sought to avoid ever since: the dark influence of money on recruitment and the constant issue of bringing fairness.
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To many fans, it is not just Barkley or Auburn, it is a system that fans think has been lopsided, behind closed doors, and convenient for three decades.
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