Sir Charles: Griner's Just a Lady in Waiting

You knew it wouldn't take long before NBA analyst Charles Barkley, who is never at a loss for words, would chime in on the Britney Griner story.

As you may recall, last week Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said he'd be willing to take a chance on the Baylor star and he'd have no problems drafting her.

Barkley thinks that if Griner would attempt to make an NBA roster, players would be insulted.

“She can’t play against guys,” Barkley said. “I mean, you’re going to go at her, probably aggressively, 'cause you’re offended that she’s trying to play against you 'cause it’s kind of an insult to you. But she can’t play with men, and I think whether she plays against a guy who has no…'cause most of those guys, let’s … who are we kidding? 90% to 95% of those guys who play in the summer league are never going to play in the NBA.”

Now that the Grey Lady herself has weighed in with an opinion, the real discussion is on.

I was insulted as a woman when Barkley dressed in drag on Saturday Night Live last year --dang, he was ugly! -- but I digress. Barkley is probably voicing what a lot of people were thinking and afraid to say, which is Griner hasn't a chance against male players (even if they are mediocre) in the NBA.

Griner surely doesn't lack confidence and isn't afraid of a challenge, so one has to wonder if the real underlying issue is the men who would be afraid of challenging her and getting beat.

Title IX that thought!