Barkley Arrested After Loaded Gun Discovered in His Car by Trooper

Charles Barkley, the Philadelphia 76ers all-star forward, was arrested Wednesday after state police discovered a loaded handgun in his car while stopping him for speeding, authorities said.

Barkley, 25, of Bala Cynwyd, Pa., was stopped on the Atlantic City Expressway by a trooper who spotted an automatic handgun next to the seat. He arrested Barkley without incident, police said.

Barkley was charged with carrying a deadly weapon, an indictable offense under New Jersey law. State Police spokesman Lt. Barry Roberson said New Jersey has the most stringent gun control laws.

Barkley was released on his own recognizance sometime after appearing in Hamilton Township Municipal Court in Atlantic County, Roberson said.

John Nash, general manager of the National Basketball Assn. team, was not home Wednesday night, his wife said.

Team spokesman Dave Coskey said he had no information on the arrest.

“I’m really in no position to make any comment,” he said. “We certainly can’t comment any further until we get further information.”

Barkley and Jim Lynam, coach of the 76ers, were in Atlantic City Tuesday to speak to children about the dangers of drug abuse, said Harvey Pollack, the team’s chief statistician and retired public relations director.

Barkley, selected to the NBA All-Star team for the second straight year last season, averaged 28.3 points and 11.9 rebounds per game. He made 58.7% of his field goal attempts, third-best in the league, and played nearly 40 minutes per game.