Charles Barkley is, and has always been, a character. Seeing that he has a proven history as an avid gambler, it seems his favorite thing to do is bet on how mad he can make people in one day. And even when it seems his pieces may be hitting for the good, he very easily ruins that with his choice of words.

So was the story of yesterday. On Thursday night, Barkley announced that he is pledging $1 million to black Alabama women to fund startup costs for IT businesses. Great, right? Women, more specifically, black women in technology can always use the extra help to move forward in the industry. Alabama is Barkley's home state, not to mention, black women showed up and showed out for the recent election.

However, the initial gratitude was short lived by Barkley's following joke.

"That does not mean hair salons and restaurants," Barkley says.

Photo: Giphy

That was pretty clear when he said "IT businesses," but thanks for the joke? There's absolutely nothing wrong with restaurants or salons because people like to eat and get their hair done. However, most people know what IT means. In case you don't know though, Barkley reiterates.

"We're going to do I.T.," Barkley continues. "That does not mean 'it.'"

Fine, the $1 million donation is admirable, but was the backhanded comment really necessary? His delivery has many of us side-eyeing the whole notion. Then again, it's Charles Barkley, so what more can we expect. He just can't help it. Lets see how this plays out.

Sweet Home Alabama

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