The NBA great did everything he could to save his brother, Darryl Barkley.

Charles Barkley lost his brother Darryl to drugs.LAPRESSE

In a heart-wrenching revelation, NBA legend Charles Barkley has opened up about his painful journey dealing with drug addiction and the devastating loss of his younger brother, Darryl Barkley.

During a candid interview on the “Club Shay Shay” podcast, the former Phoenix Suns power forward recalled the profound impact of his brother’s cocaine addiction, which ultimately led to his untimely death at the age of 42.

The former NBA MVP expressed deep regret and sorrow over his brother’s struggle with addiction, revealing that he had even contemplated trying cocaine himself to understand his brother’s plight.

“I almost did cocaine one time. I had put my brother in a bunch of rehabs… I ain’t never had something so strong that I would give up the NBA or my money saying, ‘I gotta do drugs,'” Barkley shared, highlighting the destructive nature of addiction.

Charles Barkley’s harsh love

Barkley’s efforts to save his brother from the grip of drugs were relentless, including multiple stints in rehab and stern warnings against drug trafficking. However, despite his best efforts, Darryl Barkley was arrested in 1989 for drug charges, which strained the relationship between the brothers.

“I love my brother, but I told him if he [sells drugs], he is out of our lives forever… Maybe he’ll wake up if he hears those [prison] doors slam behind him,” Barkley stated at the time, emphasizing his tough stance against drug abuse.

Darryl Barkley’s tragic fate

Tragically, Barkley’s worst fears were realized when Darryl passed away from a heart attack in 2009. Reflecting on his brother’s death, the former NBA star has become a staunch advocate against drug abuse, urging young people to steer clear of drugs.

“If you consume drugs, it’s not a matter of if you die but when you die,” Barkley cautioned, using his family’s tragic experience as a stark warning to others.

Despite the pain and loss he has endured, Charles Barkley remains a beacon of hope, using his platform to educate and inspire others to avoid the pitfalls of addiction.