The Round Mound of Rebound bought everyone a round after a Western New York college hockey team won over the weekend.
WGRZ reports Charles Barkley was spotted in Fredonia, N.Y., on Friday night, celebrating the SUNY Fredonia men’s hockey team after the Blue Devils beat Plattsburgh State, 2-0. Social media videos show the NBA legend appearing in a local bar after the game, offering to pay for everyone’s drinks.
“I went to the Fredonia State game tonight. They won 2 to zip,” Barkley told the cheering crowd. “I’ve never been to Fredonia State before. You guys have been amazing. So for me, we’re going to play some music that I listen to right now, and for the next five songs, for the next five songs, all drinks are free at the bar.”
Barkley was in town to do the ceremonial puck drop at the beginning of the game, part of Fredonia’s alumni weekend that honored the 1993-94 hockey team that reached the NCAA championship. Barkley appeared in photos with fans and even with Fredonia police officers.
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“Slam dunk for our night shift! Our officers met NBA legend Charles Barkley tonight, a true gentleman and supporter of law enforcement!” the Village of Fredonia Police Department said.
Barkley, 61, is a Basketball Hall of Famer and 11-time NBA All-Star who was best known for his rebounding skills over 16 seasons, including with the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets. He won two Olympic gold medals, was named league MVP in 1993, and was honored on the NBA’s 50th and 75th anniversary teams.
Barkley works today as an NBA analyst alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson on TNT’s “Inside the NBA.” He’s also written several books, starred in TV ads, covered college basketball tournaments, and appeared in movies and TV shows like “Space Jam,” “Modern Family,” “The Goldbergs” and “Saturday Night Live.”