Chapter 825 - 32 Be Your Own Support

Charles Barkley, after the "spitting incident," accepted an interview with NBC.

In the interview, he admitted that he acted impulsively and sincerely apologized to the girl.

However, he emphasized that it was not intentional, it was an accident, a mortifying accident.

"I think it’s time for a change. This season has been a year of changes already; I’ve switched teams, moved to a new city, and achieved some results. I also have a family now, have children, and if I want to take it further, I must say goodbye to my past self."

Barkley spoke with determination on the program, much like those men who have made mistakes vow to never err again.

Of course, whether the fans and viewers believe it is one thing; his speaking out is another. It’s essential to have the right attitude.

After the interview, Barkley successfully navigated through this image crisis, and the public was quick to forgive him, considering the incident wasn’t particularly egregious.

Following a suspension, Barkley returned to the Suns, who were about to face the Portland Trail Blazers at home.

This was a great opportunity for Barkley to show his strength.

For athletes, no matter what happens off the court, performing well in the game is the most solid foundation.

As long as there’s nothing outrageously wrong, some moral flaws can be overlooked by the public, provided that you are strong enough.

Since joining the Suns this year, Barkley has been formidable, not only with impressive stats but also leading the Suns into the ranks of the League’s top elite teams.

Although the Washington Bullets were also an Eastern strong team and had reached the finals, their entry into the 1988 finals was somewhat lucky.

In the regular season, they were just above average; in the playoffs, buoyed by the veterans and lady luck, they managed a hard-fought entry into the finals.

The finals were lost without suspense to the Trail Blazers. Afterward, Moses Malone left, Sidney Moncrief retired, leaving the Bullets without sufficient competitiveness in the Eastern, and Charles Barkley’s leadership was called into question.

This season, the Suns have a strong momentum, having successfully surpassed the Los Angeles Lakers in the standings and are closely chasing the Portland Trail Blazers.

Barkley is ranked third in the MVP race, only behind Michael Jordan and Gan Guoyang, and above Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.

This is an acknowledgment from fans and experts that he is just below the new giants and above the old ones, a step away from the peak.

Barkley, returning from suspension and playing at home, was determined to lead his team to victory.

Before the game started, during warm-ups, Barkley expressed his gratitude to Gan Guoyang: "Thank you, Ah Gan, for always being there when I needed help."

Gan Guoyang replied, "No, I haven’t done much. I told you, you knew what to do. Everything after that was all you. I was just a reminder."

"Then thanks for the reminder, Sonny. I was really panicking at the time. My family was also hurt and affected by me. Fortunately, you reminded me. I calmed down and chose reconciliation, which was the best choice."

"Even without my reminder, you would have realized it one day. It was just a matter of time. I just hastened it a little bit."

Gan Guoyang never boasts about his help to friends, nor does he feel he has given them much assistance.

He always believes in the principle of "helping others helps oneself." Others are just facilitators and reminders, overcoming difficulties is ultimately up to oneself.

Barkley said again, "Sonny, I’ve decided to reconcile with my father."

Gan Guoyang raised an eyebrow, "I didn’t agree to reconcile with you. Tonight I’m going to beat you guys up."

"Fuck you, Sonny, I’m talking about my real father! Frank! Frank-Barkley!"

"Oh really? And what am I?"

"You’re my godfather. I’m going to beat you tonight, sorry."

Barkley was shamelessly bold, while Gan Guoyang shook his head, thinking that some natures are hard to change, and this guy’s big mouth would never get better.

Barkley did indeed reconcile with his father Frank, but according to Barkley himself, "I’ve forgiven him, as a friend, a man, not as a son. We are equals, shook hands to reconcile, not to hold grudges, but it doesn’t mean we became an ordinary father and son. I wouldn’t invite him to live with me in my home. Oh no, we’ll just contact occasionally, I’ll invite him to see my games, I’ll visit him, yeah, that’s it."

Charles Barkley wants to be a real man, a true man who no longer needs a father’s protection psychologically, as only a little boy needs that.

He can take on responsibilities, protect his family, be the backbone for everyone, and rely on himself instead of looking for support everywhere.

For a boy who is not yet mentally mature, no matter how strong his body or how weathered his appearance, his heart will always be lacking.

Such people often have an "authoritarian complex," deeply desiring a powerful, omnipotent dad to fall back on, to indulge unconditionally and support their actions without bottom lines.

They look for protectors everywhere, even if they are already strong, yet they lack the confidence to face failure alone.

If a person cannot withstand failure, they can never achieve true success.