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Bill Russell once lectured Charles Barkley about tax complaints

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 4/5/18

Charles Barkley used to complain about paying such a high amount in taxes until getting lectured by Bill Russell.

Barkley joined “The Axe Files with David Axelrod” for a recent interview. Barkley mostly talked politics in the interview, which included his tax story. Here’s a transcription of how the conversation went:

Fascinating >> Charles Barkley tells about an unusual phone call he received from basketball legend Bill Russell & how Russel persuaded rich Mr. Barkley to stop complaining about how much he paid in taxes.

In a fascinating interview with @davidaxelrod https://t.co/JW0Vq7Eo82 pic.twitter.com/p0ZE44gMPg

— Steven Greenhouse (@greenhousenyt) April 5, 2018

Russell pointed out to Barkley just how much tax money helps communities. He pointed out that tax money pays for public schools, police officers, and fire fighters who all help the community. That lecture helped change Barkley’s perspective, and now he says he considers it a blessing to be rich enough to be able to pay a higher amount in taxes.

Barkley cited Russell, Muhammad Ali and Moses Malone as the three sports figures who have had the most influence in his life. You can see why Russell qualifies. He has a social conscience and even said last year that he stood by the kneeling NFL players.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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