Charles Barkley responds to criticism over fat jokes

Critics of his comments had said that as an African American he should know better than to mock body appearance. (Joe Murphy/Getty Images)

Never one to shy away from controversial comments, NBA on TNT analyst Charles Barkley took the opportunity on Sunday night to address the criticism he's received in light of on-air comments he made last week about obese women in San Antonio.

Barkley had said on the nationally televised broadcast last week that San Antonio 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.”

Activists groups including the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance called for his immediate apology, but on Sunday night, Barkley said flat out, "that's not going to happen."

"I’m just gonna have fun on TV. You know I’m joking … some of you people don’t like my sense of humor. Here’s what I gotta say. Turn off your damn television. I’m not gonna change."

Footage of Barkley responding to his critics on Sunday:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIs2rkkZaVo

SI WIRE: LeBron James: Entire Sterling family should be prohibited from owning Clippers