Barkley Says He Can’t Drink, Play

Charles Barkley quit drinking a month ago after he decided that alcohol was affecting his performance.

The Houston forward, who turns 35 on Friday, went public with his problem in an interview with NBC analyst Steve Jones that aired before the Rockets’ game against the Lakers on Sunday.

“I’ve got to stop drinking. I drink way too much and it has been affecting my game,” said Barkley, who made the game-winning shot in the Rockets’ 90-88 victory. “I haven’t played as well as I would have liked to this season, and obviously drinking has something to do with it.”

Barkley said he stopped drinking alcohol after discussing his problem with friends and teammates.

“I can’t drink and play,” he said. “It’s just been consistently wearing my body down and I wasn’t as consistent as I need to be or would like to be. I owe the people I work for an honest effort.”

*

Miami Heat forward Jamal Mashburn will be sidelined at least eight weeks after undergoing surgery in Coral Gables, Fla., to repair fractures in his right thumb, the team said.

Mashburn, Miami’s third-leading scorer with 15.2 points per game, was injured while attempting a dunk Friday against the Detroit Pistons.

*

The Latrell Sprewell arbitration case will officially end today, beginning a 30-day window for arbitrator John Feerick to issue his decision.

Closing arguments will be made before Feerick in New York. Sprewell also has filed a grievance against the Golden State Warriors for terminating the remaining three years of his four-year, $32 million contract for attacking Coach P.J. Carlesimo on Dec. 1.