Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Charles Barkley has decided not to retire from basketball after his latest bar-room brawl, but the National Basketball Association put new rules in place yesterday for the Houston Rockets' forward.
"The league put new guidelines in my life," he said after meeting with NBA officials. "I have to bring security guards with me every time I go out. It's unfortunate."
Barkley threw a man through a window during a confrontation in Orlando last weekend after Barkley had a drink thrown at him.
Before yesterday's meeting, Barkley said he might retire if the NBA punished him or made him promise not to retaliate against abusive fans. But after a 90-minute meeting with the deputy commissioner Russ Granik, Barkley thanked the league for backing him.
"The league was very supportive of me. They understand where I am coming from," he said. "But when I get arrested, it's embarrassing for me and for the league."
He flew back to Houston after the meeting and said he hoped to play in last night's game against Cleveland.
Barkley said he wants to continue playing but he is concerned about the increase in confrontations. "The situation is escalating," he said, "and sooner or later, something bad is going to happen. I just want to play basketball and be left alone."
Barkley, 34, is in the final year of a six-year contract that would pay him about $2.5m (pounds 1.53) this season.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments