Charles Barkley sounds off on Russell Wilson situation

Charles Barkley said during a media session ahead of the start of the NBA season that he believes the Russell Wilson situation is part of a larger problem within the black community.  

It's a dirty secret in the black community. If you're not a thug with a criminal record, or just a jackass, people think you're not black enough. If you're doing well at school, you're acting white. If you speak intelligently, you're acting white. That's bulls---t. That's why we, as black people, are struggling. We don't have great respect for each other. Russell Wilson was black enough last year when they were winning. Now that they're losing, he's not black enough? I don't think he changed in six months.

The outspoken Barkley does not shy away from speaking his mind on controversial issues and also called out NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith for not having an organized method of dealing with domestic violence cases among players. 

I'm very disappointed in Roger Goodell and DeMaurice Smith. I don't understand why they're having such a tough time. The first time you hit a woman, you should be suspended while the legal process plays out. The second time it happens, you should be banned for life. It's a joke that these two guys can't just get in a room for five minutes and figure it all out. You don't need to wait until the end of the season, or put a panel together.

In between funny soundbites and endless questions about his poor golf swing, Charles Barkley has a track record of speaking honestly and thoughtfully about matters pertaining to race and power in sports.

He's previously come to the defense of former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan Mcnabb, believing the former Pro Bowler was mistreated in Philadelphia.