My Awkward Moment With Charles Barkley

I'm very lucky to get opportunities to interview celebrities that pay a visit to Atlantic City.  Sometimes, during these interviews, some other celebrity will show up out of no where.....

A great example was Friday night at Caesars Atlantic City.

I was prepared to interview Donavan McNabb.  I already knew many of his friends would be there, mostly former Eagles players.  At best, I would get a picture of each of them.  I had an appointment with a certain former Eagles Quarterback, and I could not miss it.

All of a sudden, here comes Charles Barkley walking towards me.  Everybody wanted a picture with him.  Knowing I had but so much time until Donavan would be ready for my interview, I managed to quickly grab 'Sir Charles' before the stampede of photographers would claim him.

I was star struck.  My brain was going 100 mph.  I had to say something quick.

Of course, the first thing that pops in my head. was the first thing that was going to be coming out of my mouth:

'Mr. Barkley, the 1993 NBA Finals made me become a basketball fan, thank you.'

Charles Barkley and the Phoenix Suns lost to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the 1993 NBA finals.  The Bulls won that championship by a last minute three-pointer by John Paxson.

It was the one.....and only....NBA Finals series that Charles Barkley ever competed in.

He said nothing, smiled at the camera, and made his way back to the crowd.