Charles Barkley Goes Off-Script In March Madness To Call Out Trump ‘Disgrace’

Charles Barkley had more than basketball on his mind during CBS’ March Madness broadcast on Sunday.

The analyst pivoted to President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown after a feature on University of Connecticut star Alex Karaban, whose parents immigrated to the U.S. from Eastern Europe.

“I want to be very careful with my words right now. Because this is a really touchy subject for me,” Barkley said. “I love that kid and his family, but the way some of these other immigrants are getting treated in our country right now is a travesty and a disgrace.

“I think there’s a difference between amazing immigrants and criminal immigrants, and I think what’s going on in our country — what we’re doing to some of these amazing immigrants ― is really unfortunate and it’s really sad.”

He continued, “And that’s a great immigrant story — we have a lot of great immigrant stories out there, whose stories need to be told. But some of the stuff that’s happening to immigrants in our country right now is really unfortunate and is really unfair. But immigrants built this country, and we should admire them and respect them.”

Host Nate Burleson, appearing moved by the basketball Hall of Famer’s words, said, “Chuck, I love you, bro.”

Barkley made his comments on a weekend in which Americans again took to the streets in “No Kings” rallies to protest Trump’s mistreatment of immigrants, war in Iran and other issues.

Democrats are holding their ground during the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security to extract limitations on the scope and severity of ICE operations. Two Americans have been killed by federal agents during ICE operations.

Barkley also flexed his candor during last year’s NCAA Tournament on matters not entirely related to hoops.

As for Karaban, his team advanced to the Final Four with a dramatic victory over Duke. The Huskies will play Illinois in one national semifinal on Saturday, while Arizona and Michigan will meet in the other.