Barkley, Charles. I may be wrong but I doubt it.

Michael Wilbon, ed. Random House. 259p. c2003. 0-8129-6628-7 $12.95. SA

Charles Barkley is an outspoken basketball player whose commentary here focuses on social issues off the basketball court. He writes about racism, prejudice, equal opportunity, white supremacy in the New South, and his view of "keeping it real" as a wealthy, successful professional basketball legend. He describes how his ability to "get to the point" is often viewed negatively by the public and the press but is essential to the process of promoting social change. Barkley chooses his battles, and when he does, the topics often center on the African American's role in a formerly white-dominated society that is becoming more diverse and international.

Barkley does an artful job of discussing his interpretation and influence on apartheid, while at the same time talking about the details of the NBA that make him a quasi-expert on the current and future state of professional basketball. Some obscenities are scattered throughout the book but do not detract from its readability or a positive recommendation for purchase. Tom Adamich, INFOhio Specialist, Cuyahoga Falls, OH