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I am not sure that Charles Barkley was as good a player as he seems to think he was. Or for that matter others seem to think that he was.

I am also not sure that he will last a whole lot longer on National television, not with the need for people to adhere to the notion of political correctness today. For that reason alone, you should tune in to TNT every chance you get just to be sure you hear what Sir Charles will say next.

Barkley was recently blasted by Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry after the announcer had the audacity to say that Oklahoma was "no place for black people." The TNT analyst reportedly made his comments when involved about a discussion regarding New Orleans Hornets outstanding rookie Chris Paul. The discussion centered upon All Star game player selections - Paul's failure to be selected was considered a major error by most of the media.

Barkley teased the youngster several times with comments such as "the Oklahoma Sooners and the Hornets are the only brothers in town" and by asking the guard "if he had chickens and cows in his yard."The Hornets of course have had to be temporarily relocated to Oklahoma City this season after the incredible damage to New Orleans from Hurricane Katrina.

Speaking further about the All-Star Game, many in the national media did not think the Boston Celtics Paul Pierce deserved a spot on the team. The criticism came more from how the Celtics (19-31) have played this season, not due to Pierce's performance as he is having arguably the best season of his NBA career.

Barkley also unloaded some gems on that subject during the TNT broadcast last Thursday. Said the irreverent analyst, ''Paul Pierce is like Reggie Miller on his prom, he didn't have a date. He's lonely in Boston. He's Michael Jackson and he's playing with a bunch of Tito Jacksons."

Barkley went on to state that ''Scott Wedman, Kevin McHale are rolling over in their graves. Larry Bird, rolling over in his grave. Dennis Johnson, M.L. Carr, Tiny Archibald, Rick Robey, John Havlicek." Never mind that none of those folks have left this earth as yet.

But of course Barkley was the same sportscaster who had the audacity to state that the Celtics and T-Wolves trade that was an attempt to jump start two sputtering teams actually made both teams worse instead of better. Of course, since the trade the Celtics proceeded to lose six in a row while Minnesota has managed to lose six of seven after wining two of their first three games after the swap.

He says what he thinks, with color and unusual candor. Perhaps most importantly, Barkley is usually right on. That is all the more reason that I hope he walks that PC line a little more closely.

I would hate to lose his insight, and yes, I for one would miss his irreverence as well.

But "chickens and cows in your yard?"