Charles Barkley hammers 'stupid ass' transfer portal while discussing choosing Auburn because 'they sucked'

When you need a soundbite, there’s nobody better to call upon than the great Charles Barkley.

On Saturday during Auburn‘s showdown with West Virginia during the Big 12/SEC Challenge, ESPN recognizes that, bringing Barkley — who was there as a spectator — to the commentary table for a mid-game interview. The Tigers legend revealed something simple about how he originally choice to play at Auburn, yet he put it so eloquently.

“They sucked,” Barkley responded, asked what led him to Auburn. “To be honest with you. I wanted — I tell all these kids, if you want an education, you get an education anywhere. But the No. 1 thing you look at if you’re going to a school is playing time.

“It turned out to be the best decision of my life, because I got to play right away.”

Additionally, Barkley continued to shoot-straight regarding the NCAA Transfer Portal, believing it to be a load of garbage, and explaining his thoughts on the matter.

“A lot of these kids — especially with this stupid ass transfer portal we’ve got going on in America today — you know, you knew that quarterback or the guy was good, why would you go to the school when you know there’s a great player already there? You’ve got to understand something, that’s the first time you’re going to leave home. If you got to college and don’t play, of course college is going to be brutal. It’s not going to be any fun. When I was looking — I was looking at Alabama, Auburn, UAB. UAB was my first choice. Then I looked at Alabama.

“When I went to Auburn, there weren’t very good, and I wanted to play. It turned into the best decision ever.”

Alas, if he ever gets tired of the commentary table — sidebar, we hope he doesn’t — Charles Barkley has a future as a guidance counselor of sorts. The man doesn’t hold back, and his brutal honesty is a beautiful thing to listen to.