Barkley: 76er Roster Will Reflect Racism

Charles Barkley accused the Philadelphia 76ers of racism Wednesday, predicting the team would keep backup center Dave Hoppen as its lone white player.

Barkley indicated he thought Harold Katz would base his decision on the fans’ feelings, not personal prejudice, adding, “I don’t think Harold is racist, but I said it would surprise me if we had an all-black team.”

Katz “probably is going to refrain from commenting,” 76er spokesman Zack Hill said.

Coach Jim Lynam said he wanted a team that can win games, regardless of the color of the players.

Philadelphia opens its season Friday at Chicago. The team has until this afternoon to reduce its roster to 12, and of the remaining 14 players, only Hoppen is white.

Hoppen said Barkley was just being Barkley.

But Barkley says racism cannot be ignored.

“A lot of black athletes are better off, but black society is not better off,” he said. “Don’t try to hand me a couple dollars and make me feel better. I’m not going to forget the people in the ghetto and the slums.”