Former NBA Player Charles Barkley to Race NBA Referee at NBA All Star Weekend

In an event that is sure to draw a ton of viewers, former NBA player and current TNT basketball analyst Charles Barkley will race NBA referee Dick Bavetta at NBA All Star Weekend. The race will be a competition for a charity. The loser will donate $5000 to the winner's charity of choice. The event will be held on TNT NBA All Star Saturday Night.

During a live post game show on TNT, Charles Barkley stated that he could beat Dick Bavetta in a race. Dick Bavetta, who is 67, was ridiculed by Charles Barkley throughout the telecast. Charles made fun of Bavetta's age and stated that he could whoop him in a race. Fellow TNT commentator Kenny Smith laughed at Charles claim almost immediately. This is because Charles Barkley is currently out of shape and the staff repeatedly pokes fun at that. Charles stood by his statement though and word spread to Dick Bavetta.

The next week on TNT saw Dick Bavetta offer to race Charles Barkley for charity. Bavetta told Barkley that he would put up $5000 of his own money in a race. He stated that he was confident that he could beat Barkley in a race. Barkley accepted the offer only with the stipulation that they would have to do it on All Star weekend. Bavetta accepted the challenge and the live race between them will be telecast live on TNT.

Charles Barkley has stated on television this week that he has been training hard for the event. He has caught back on his junk food and began running once again. On the other side of the match, Bavetta continued his routine of running five miles every morning and running throughout each NBA game he refs. Basically, do not underestimate Dick Bavetta's age because he is in tremendous shape.

The race between Charles Barkley and Dick Bavetta will once again be held on Saturday night February 17th, live on TNT. Other events that will be held that night include the NBA three point contest and the NBA Slam Dunk competition. NBA players selected to participate in the events promise that they will put on as good of a show as the Charles Barkley and Dick Bavetta race for charity.