Charles Barkley V.S. Dick Bavetta Race Earns $50,000 for YMCA

The 2007 NBA All Star Saturday Night turned out to have a unique addition this year. Fans were treated to a race between former NBA player Charles Barkley, 44, and current NBA referee Dick Bavetta, 67. The race was created when Barkley said he would "whoop" Bavetta in a race. Many people laughed at this remark because Barkley has become incredibly out of shape compared to his playing days. Bavetta heard his remarks and challenged him to a race for charity. Barkley agreed and helped set the stage for the event to happen last night during event.

Charles Barkley is currently a color commentator for TNT. He has been known throughout his career for being loud and outspoken about almost anything. Occasionally, his willingness to say whatever he wants tends to get him in trouble. Bavetts did not take Barkley's remarks that well. Dick Bavetta is a referee who runs throughout games on a nightly basis. He also tries to run 5 to 10 miles a day to remain in shape. Both of the men promised to be ready for the event and neither of them disappointed anybody who was lucky enough to watch.

The race rules were simple. Each of the competitors would run the length of the court 3 1/2 times. The first person to complete the race across mid court would be declared the winner. All of Barkley's fellow commentators thought that he would get beat badly because of how out of shape he was. Barkley surprised everyone by actually dominating the race. He had such a good lead that he jogged the last half of the race backwards and fell across the finish line. Bavetta never gave up though. The older participant dove across the finish line in a final attempt to win the race. You could see the bloody damage he did to his knees during the victory ceremony that followed.

Both participants were happy with the reaction that the event received from the public. People were genuinely interested in seeing who would with the race. The event helped the pair earn $50,000 to donate to the local YMCA. At the end of the night, both competitors embraced and gave each other a playful kiss. A solid show was put on and money was donated to a great charity. How can you not enjoy a show like that.

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