Barkley Can’t Quit Talking

Charles Barkley’s at it again. He threatened retirement before and he’s saying it again.

Barkley said in Wednesday’s Phoenix Gazette he’s finished after this year.

“I’m retiring either way,” Barkley said before the Suns’ home game Tuesday night against Seattle. “It’s time. I’ve made up my mind.”

He’s said several times this season that it may be his last. But other times he has said he wouldn’t decided until after the season.

Suns president Jerry Colangelo wasn’t convinced, telling the Gazette he believed Barkley wasn’t ready to retire.

“I’ve said all along, I think Charles Barkley is going to continue to play,” Colangelo said. “I think he should. I think he enjoys it and I believe he will, so I don’t pay much attention to it.”

Colangelo said he hasn’t talked with Barkley about his plans after the season.

“When he comes to me and tells me he’s through, then I’ll know it’s legitimate,” Colangelo said.

After Tuesday’s win over Seattle, Barkley said: “You can write whatever you want. You’ve got me for two more months and then that’s it. I’m out of here.”

Asked if anyone could change his mind, he said, “No. I’m serious.”

In December, Barkley said he struggled with retirement because of his back. When he returned in February after the tendon tear, again he hinted, but said he wouldn’t make a decision until after the season.

Barkley is averaging 21.9 points and 11.3 rebounds in 63 games this season.

“About two months ago, I thought I was done,” Barkley said Tuesday. “I couldn’t play in back-to-back games. I didn’t have any strength in my legs and back. I was playing terrible. I was embarrassed about it, but there was nothing I could do about it.”