Charles Barkley Admits He's 'Always Going Commando' After Burning Underwear 30 Years Ago

Charles Barkley has never been one to bite his tongue, but perhaps he'd better start thinking about it! During an episode of the "Manningcast" podcast, starring Peyton and Eli Manning, the "Inside the NBA" host opened up about his peculiar decision to burn his underwear three decades ago, which has left him free-balling anywhere he sets foot. Of course, Barkley has spoken openly about his decision before, describing it to talk show host Jimmy Fallon and explaining how being underwear-less makes him feel.

Barkley is always doing or saying something to keep the public on the edge of their seats, and this time, he got deeply personal with QB brothers Peyton and Eli on the November 3 episode of their "Manningcast" podcast.

In fact, during their conversation, the NBA star told the NFL legends that he stopped wearing underwear after realizing they weren't "a necessity."

As he continued, Barkley admitted he "burned" all of his underwear nearly 30 years ago in a "big" fire, resulting in his "always going commando."

The Manning brothers, however, expressed their gratitude for Barkley appearing on their show with a special gift: underwear with their faces printed on them.

"I was planning to mail it to you," Eli said, "I'm sorry." He went on, joking with the NBA All-Star about his free-balling lifestyle by saying, "I didn't know the story about you wearing underwear before having these made, but can I still send these to you?"

Barkley, joining in on the fun, replied, "Definitely! You know what? I will put that on my wall. I got to get both of y'all to sign it, and I promise I'll put it somewhere prominent."

Barkley has never shied away from discussing this topic; in fact, he talked about it with Jimmy Fallon back in 2018.

When his "Inside the NBA" co-star, Shaquille O'Neal, popped on screen to ask his fellow Olympian a question about his free-balling on "live TV," Barkley said confidently, "I've been 10 years without underwear, and I feel good about it, Jimmy."

Just a few weeks ago, Barkley was in the headlines for a whole other reason after tensions began to rise between him and his co-star, Kenny Smith, who shared his strong opinion on the recent gambling scandal that's shocked the NBA.

"We're surprised because when you have access, and you're at the top of the game, you have access to millions and millions of dollars in this league," Smith said, according to The Blast. "So, it was surprising that they would put themselves in that position, possibly. And then it's innocent until proven guilty."

"We have to realize gambling is an addiction. The addiction of it is what makes you make illogical decisions… regardless of your background or financial status," he added.

Smith's comments come after the FBI made several arrests in a "mind-boggling" case, linking current and former NBA stars and coaches to a gambling ring that has ties to the mafia, who have allegedly profited on non-public information regarding athletes.

"Former and current NBA players and coaches, including Terry Rozier, Damon Jones and additional co-conspirators, allegedly informed the defendants and others of confidential information relating to upcoming NBA games and player performances, such as pre-release medical information and a player’s intention to alter their upcoming game performance, which favored certain bettors within their inner social circle," said an FBI spokesperson.

Barkley also discussed the recent arrests, calling NBA players who bet on games "flat-out stupid." However, he clapped back at Smith, seemingly claiming that his statements about certain NBA players struggling with addiction were wildly off-base.

"The reason I'm mad at Kenny is this ain't got nothing to do with damn gambling addiction," he said. "These dudes are stupid."

He went on, "Under no circumstances can you fix basketball games. Rozier makes $26 million. How much is he going to benefit [from] taking himself out of the game to get Unders? He's making $26 million."