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Charles Barkley and the rest of the "Inside the NBA" crew paid tribute on May 13 to former Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke and former NBA center Jason Collins following their respective deaths.
"Man, Tuesday (May 12) was a tough day for the NBA family," host Ernie Johnson said. "To the families of Brandon Clarke and Jason Collins, prayers from the heart for peace and comfort at this difficult time."
Clarke, 29, died May 11 in California. He had spent his entire seven-year NBA career with the Grizzlies. Along with Ja Morant, Clarke was the longest tenured player on the team.
"Man, 29 years old. 29 years old," Barkley said.
Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, died of brain cancer. He was 47.
In the days since Clarke's death, there has been an outpouring of support for his family and friends, as well as a host of fond remembrances for the popular Grizzly.
"Brandon was an outstanding teammate and even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten," the franchise said in a prepared statement issued May 12.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office has not yet determined Clarke's cause of death. But, authorities have said drug paraphernalia was found in the home where Clark was found, and "the incident is being investigated as a possible overdose."
Barkley delivered an impassioned message related to that.
"And, man, you young guys out there, man. You know, obviously, I’m very sensitive on the drug situation," Barkley began. "Man, you guys got to stay away from that stuff. I know that’s easier said than done. (But) it ain’t a matter of if, it’s just a matter of when.
"If you’re out there experimenting with drugs, the story’s gonna end badly. It ain’t just about you, man. You’ve got a family out there. I don’t know his situation, (if) you got a mom and dad, brothers and sisters.
"But, man, it’s a terrible loss for him and his family. It just sucks. It was a tough day for the NBA."
USA TODAY Sports contributed to this report.
Reach sports writer Jason Munz at [email protected], follow him @munzly on X.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson weigh in on Brandon Clarke death
Continue reading...
"Man, Tuesday (May 12) was a tough day for the NBA family," host Ernie Johnson said. "To the families of Brandon Clarke and Jason Collins, prayers from the heart for peace and comfort at this difficult time."
Clarke, 29, died May 11 in California. He had spent his entire seven-year NBA career with the Grizzlies. Along with Ja Morant, Clarke was the longest tenured player on the team.
"Man, 29 years old. 29 years old," Barkley said.
Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, died of brain cancer. He was 47.
In the days since Clarke's death, there has been an outpouring of support for his family and friends, as well as a host of fond remembrances for the popular Grizzly.
"Brandon was an outstanding teammate and even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten," the franchise said in a prepared statement issued May 12.
Charles Barkley reacts to Brandon Clarke's death
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office has not yet determined Clarke's cause of death. But, authorities have said drug paraphernalia was found in the home where Clark was found, and "the incident is being investigated as a possible overdose."
Barkley delivered an impassioned message related to that.
"And, man, you young guys out there, man. You know, obviously, I’m very sensitive on the drug situation," Barkley began. "Man, you guys got to stay away from that stuff. I know that’s easier said than done. (But) it ain’t a matter of if, it’s just a matter of when.
"If you’re out there experimenting with drugs, the story’s gonna end badly. It ain’t just about you, man. You’ve got a family out there. I don’t know his situation, (if) you got a mom and dad, brothers and sisters.
"But, man, it’s a terrible loss for him and his family. It just sucks. It was a tough day for the NBA."
USA TODAY Sports contributed to this report.
Reach sports writer Jason Munz at [email protected], follow him @munzly on X.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson weigh in on Brandon Clarke death
Continue reading...
