Charles Barkley took money from agents?

That's what he said on Dan Patrick's radio show yesterday morning.

Patrick and Barkley were discussing amateurism issues in college sports, specifically Reggie Bush giving back his Heisman Trophy, when the topic was brought up.

"If a guy wants to borrow money from an agent because he's poor, what is wrong with that?" Barkley said. "Nobody can tell me what is wrong with that. I got money from agents when I was in college and I went in the '80s. Most of the players I know borrowed money from agents. The colleges don't give us anything. If they give us a pair of sneakers, they get in trouble."

"Why can't an agent lend me some money and I'll pay him back when I graduate?"

Well, because that is pretty blatantly against NCAA regulations.

Charles Barkley admitted to taking money from agents while at Auburn.
(photo credit: Encyclopedia Alabama)

In his defense, Barkley said that he only received "chump change" while in college, that he got "walking around money", not enough money to buy a house. I think anyone will agree that there is a big difference between a couple hundred bucks to get a pair of Jordans and getting a car, a flat screen, and and five figures in a bank account. Slippery slope, I know, but you get my point.

I'm not here to argue with Chuck about his opinion on whether or not players should get paid while in college. I am actually for the big-time athletes -- the players that are selling the jerseys and bringing fans into the stadiums -- getting a bigger slice of the pie.

But is admitting that he took money from agents really the best way for Barkley to help further the cause?

Regardless, Auburn won't face any punishment as a result. The NCAA has a four-year statute of limitations.

No one should be surprised either. Barkley played in the SEC. In the 1980's. And you think there are a lot of agents around SEC teams today?