Former NBA star Charles Barkley, known for his skills on the basketball court and his outspoken personality off of it, has found himself in hot water after a video surfaced online of him struggling to calculate NBA parlay betting odds.
In the viral clip, Barkley, who is a spokesperson for the popular sports betting platform FanDuel, is seen on a live broadcast attempting to explain how parlay betting works to his co-hosts. However, he quickly becomes confused and admits that he doesn’t know how to calculate the odds.
“I’m not good at math,” Barkley sheepishly admits, much to the amusement of his co-hosts and the audience watching at home.
The video quickly went viral, with many fans and critics alike questioning Barkley’s knowledge of the betting industry, especially considering his partnership with FanDuel. Some even went as far as to suggest that Barkley may not understand the risks involved in sports betting.
Despite this embarrassing moment, Barkley has continued to fulfill his duties as a spokesperson for FanDuel, appearing in commercials and promotional materials for the company. However, the incident has left many wondering if Barkley truly understands the complexities of the sports betting world.
In a statement to the New York Post, a representative for FanDuel defended Barkley, stating that he is not expected to be an expert on betting odds and that his role as a spokesperson is primarily to promote the platform to a wider audience.
“Charles Barkley is a beloved and respected member of the FanDuel family,” the representative said. “While he may not be a betting expert, his charisma and charm have helped to introduce countless fans to the world of sports betting.”
Despite the backlash, it seems unlikely that Barkley’s gaffe will have any lasting impact on his partnership with FanDuel. However, the incident serves as a reminder that even the most famous and successful athletes can still have their limitations. And in Barkley’s case, that limitation appears to be his math skills.