Charles Barkley Talks About Legacy Of Kobe Bryant And How It Is Partly Defined By One Surprising Incident

Written By: @dawnnnyy_

According to Charles Barkley, “Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest basketball players ever, and he had a flaw that we all know about.” That flaw being the sexual assault charge he received back in 2003.

Since the death of the NBA star, the debate over his legacy has been argued. And while many may choose to turn a blind eye to this allegation in honor to remember Bryant, Barkley feels differently.  He told TODAY that Bryant should be remembered for both his stellar career and the sexual assault charge.

The charges were bound to resurface after his untimely passing. Recently in the news, we have seen big names comment on the case. The most controversial being Gayle King’s interview with Lisa Leslie.

The charges were dropped in the Colorado assault case prior to a civil settlement made with the victim. Although Bryant, then 24, was never convicted, this was an incident that would follow him forever. But what it should never do is reflect on the legacy he left with the NBA and the game of basketball.

“You have to tell the picture in totality. We’re not trying to make Kobe out to be no hero. We’re celebrating his basketball excellence,” Barkley said. “We understand what happened in Colorado. That’s fair. But two things can be true.”

Bryant was laid to rest with his daughter, Gianna, who also lost her life, in a private funeral in Orange County last week. A public memorial will be held for Bryant Feb. 24. Over 90,000 people are expected to be in attendance.