Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) Calls on TNT to Suspend Charles Barkley for Stigmatizing Comments Toward Individuals Affected by the Disease of Obesity

Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) Calls on TNT to Suspend Charles Barkley for Stigmatizing Comments Toward Individuals Affected by the Disease of Obesity

TAMPA, Fla., May 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), a more than 52,000 member-strong organization, is calling on TNT to suspend Charles Barkley for his latest weight bias-fueled comments made during a recent Inside the NBA broadcast on TNT.

"Unfortunately, Mr. Barkley has once again taken the low road and targeted women in San Antonio for their weight and size. In 2015, the OAC spoke out publicly against Mr. Barkley's biased comments, and once again, he's unfairly targeted individuals dealing with obesity," said Joe Nadglowski, OAC President and CEO.

The OAC maintains a strong stance on weight bias in that individuals affected by obesity frequently struggle with not only the health and physical consequences of their disease, but also with other social consequences. The OAC strongly believes that no person should be discriminated against based on their size or weight.

As a former NBA player and sports personality, Mr. Barkley should encourage equality and respect among society and not look to segment one population because of their size. Obesity is a serious medical condition impacting more than 72 million U.S. adults nationwide.

"My question to Mr. Barkley would be, 'What value does targeting this population bring to your abilities as an NBA analyst? Why do you continue to stigmatize individuals with obesity?' There is simply no value to his comments, and they need to stop - now," said Amber Huett-Garcia, MPA, OAC Chairwoman.

Mr. Barkley repeatedly offends individuals with obesity, and yet, TNT and the NBA fail to see the problem with this. At this time, the OAC is calling on all members and the public to contact TNT leadership and encourage the suspension of Mr. Barkley. The OAC has also contacted the Commissioner of the NBA, Adam Silver, to encourage Mr. Barkley to immediately apologize for his comments.

To learn more about this issue and contact TNT leadership and the NBA Commissioner, please visit http://bit.ly/1ObAbE6.

The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), a more than 52,000 member-strong National non-profit organization, is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by the disease of obesity through education, advocacy and support.



SOURCE Obesity Action Coalition

Obesity Action Coalition

CONTACT: James Zervios, OAC VP of Marketing and Communications, (800) 717-3117, jzervios@obesityaction.org

Web Site: http://www.obesityaction.org


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