Barkley taking leave from TNT in light of blood alcohol results

January 9, 3:26 PMSports ExaminerPaula Duffy

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It had to happen at some point. With the negative press and reactions from his colleagues in sports media, Charles Barkley has decided to step away from the award winning TNT basketball program, Inside the NBA.

According to a report published today on espn.com Barkley's employer had consider suspending him if his blood alcohol level exceeded the legal limit.

The results were released yesterday and when Sir Charles was stopped on Dec. 31st in Scottsdale, Arizona, his blood alcohol level was 1.49, almost twice the legal limit of .08. 

But then again, he's a big guy, one who has tried to get smaller. Eating is one of the numerous things that Charles does to excess. Inside the NBA has featured a huge scale that Charles will step on from time to time so that Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson, his on-air colleagues can check his weight loss progress..or lack thereof.

He has admitted he has a gambling problem. Last year after the press got wind of an unpaid debt to the Las Vegas Wynn he swore he wouldn't gamble for at least a year.

The TNT crew will be missing their biggest draw (no pun intended). Many a critic has said that Barkley is the reason he/she watches the show. His most recent self deprecating antics surround the loss of his golf swing. Check out the video below.

This has got to be humiliating for him. No one is spared his criticism and now he will get the same from others. After appearing everywhere on television and radio to make claims of racism about his alma mater, Auburn he has forfeited the right to ask for privacy or leniency. Ouch!