Charles Barkley is taking a side in the ongoing debate surrounding the U.S. men's hockey team.
The U.S. men have been criticized far and wide for their behavior following the gold medal win. The Americans topped Canada, 2-1, in overtime on Sunday. Team USA then celebrated with FBI Director Kash Patel and later, President Trump. The American men were ripped for laughing at a joke about the women's team needing a White House invite, too.
"The United States men's hockey team, in their utter moment of glory … ruined it for themselves because they allowed themselves to be totally co-opted by a clown," US soccer legend Megan Rapinoe said on A Touch More with Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe. "And now, you're a clown. You look like a clown."
But Charles Barkley is not Megan Rapinoe.
Instead, the legendary NBA star ripped "sensitive" sports fans for criticizing the U.S. men's hockey team.
© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Barkley made it clear that, like the U.S. men's hockey players, he would visit the White House as a sports champion, if invited.
"I’ve said this before, I’m not a Trump guy. But if I got invited to the White House, I would go. I’m not a Trump guy – I want to make that clear. But I respect the office," Barkley said. "He’s the president of the United States. But if guys don’t want to go, I understand that too. It doesn’t have to be a talking point. It doesn’t have to be un-American.
"I just wish y’all would stop falling for the stupidity."
Not everyone agrees, though.
Barkley facing blowback for his opinion
The legendary NBA star is facing blowback for his opinion.
"I'm sorry, this is where Charles and I part company. The Office does not bestow respect on the person automatically. They need to rise to the level of respect and Trump has done nothing but drag it thru the sewer," one fan wrote.
"Barkley may respect the office of President, but Trump doesn't respect the office or the Constitution. Barkley should know better," one fan added.
"Disappointed in Charles," one fan shared.
"Respect is earned, Chuck. Remember when you had to earn respect on the court? Drumpf has not only NOT earned anyone's respect - he's earned a trial as a traitor and at the least, a life prison term," one fan added.
Which side of the debate do you fall on?