Charles Barkley should apologize for comments, says obesity awareness group

Charles Barkley's jokes on Tuesday included calling the River Walk in San Antonio a "creek." (Steven Freeman/Getty Images)

The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance is calling upon Charles Barkley to apologize for comments he made on Tuesday night about overweight women during a national broadcast of the show, NBA on TNT.

The 51-year-old, a commentator on the program with co-hosts Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny "The Jet" Smith and Ernie Johnson, made a number of remarks about the city of San Antonio on Tuesday -- comments that several "fat acceptance"groups including the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptancehave since criticized.

Among the comments he made include his belief that the city is a "gold mine for weight-watchers," that there are "some big ol' women down there" and "Victoria is definitely a secret [in San Antonio] ... they can't wear no Victoria's Secret down there."

Peggy Howell, a spokesperson for the NAAFA, said his comments were as hurtful as any insult about one's body color, and as an African-American, he should know better, she said according to TMZ:

"Making slurs about body size is just as offensive as making comments about body color...One would think being a black man, he'd be more sensitive to having his physical body criticized. It's totally out of line. He should absolutely apologize."

The President of the Obesity Action Coalition also chimed in, according to the report, calling Barkley's comments on Tuesday evening an "extreme disappointment." 

"As a former NBA player and sports entertainment figure, Mr. Barkley should encourage equality and respect among society and not look to shame or segment one population because of their size...Obesity is a serious medical condition and not a joking matter."

Watch Barkley's comments here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UEs8mPF7Fc

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