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prior to the Lakers-Nuggets game.

Charles Barkley made comments urging people not to compare Breonna Taylor's death to George Floyd's or Ahmaud Arbery's
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Charles Barkley made comments urging people not to compare Breonna Taylor's death to George Floyd's or Ahmaud Arbery'sCredit: NBA Central

What did Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal say about Breonna Taylor?

Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal were discussing the prior to the Lakers-Nuggets game on Inside the NBA on September 24.

with the killings of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery.

He also said that the main difference between all those cases is that Breonna’s boyfriend when they raided the home.

Barkley claimed that police were 'doing their job' when they entered the home
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Barkley claimed that police were 'doing their job' when they entered the homeCredit: Reuters

Barkley said on live TV: "I don't think this one was like George Floyd or Ahmaud Arbery and things like that. 

"I feel sad that this young lady lost her life. I think this one was - the no-knock warrant is something we need to get rid of ... across the board. 

“But I am worried to lump all these situations in together."

He continued: "And I just feel bad that the young lady lost her life. But we do have to take into account that

Shaquille O'Neal agreed with Barkley about Breonna's case
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Shaquille O'Neal agreed with Barkley about Breonna's caseCredit: Getty - Contributor

“So like I say, even though I am really sorry she lost her life, I just don't think we can put this in the same situation as or

O’Neal agreed with Barkley’s statement and also chimed in with his thoughts claiming that police were “just doing their job.”

"I have to agree with Charles, this one is sort of lumped in," O'Neal said. 

"You have to get a warrant signed and some states do allow no-knock warrants. And everyone was asking for murder charges. When you talk about murder, you have to show intent. 

Breonna Taylor and her boyfriend Kenneth Walker, who shot at police when they entered their home
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Breonna Taylor and her boyfriend Kenneth Walker, who shot at police when they entered their homeCredit: NBC News

“A homicide occurred and we're sorry a homicide occurred. When you have a warrant signed by the judge, you are doing your job, and I would imagine that you would fire back," he added.

What did Barkley say about defunding the police? 

In addition to the Breonna statements both Barkley and O’Neal made, Barkley also suggested that defunding the police is not a good idea. 

“I hear these fools on TV talking about “defund the police” and things like that, we need police reform and prison reform and things like that, because you know who ain’t gonna defund the cops? White neighborhoods and rich neighborhoods,” said Barkley. 

Breonna was shot multiple times during a drug raid as she was in bed
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Breonna was shot multiple times during a drug raid as she was in bedCredit: Refer to Caption

“So that notion they keep saying that I’m like wait a minute? We just gonna leave, who are black people supposed to call? Ghostbusters? When we have crime in our neighborhood?

“We need police reform. Like I say, white people, especially rich white people they’re always gonna have cops so we need to stop that 'defund or abolish the cops crap',” concluded Barkley.

What's the reaction been on Twitter?

Twitter erupted with comments against Barkley and O’Neal after they discussed Breonna’s case and defunding the police. 

One user said: “i know Charles Barkley did NOT just say on national television - “i’m sad Breonna Taylor lost her life, but we can’t forget her boyfriend did fire at a cop first.” 

“please tell me i heard that wrong incorrectly …”

Twitter erupted bashing Barkley for his comments about Breonna
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Twitter erupted bashing Barkley for his comments about BreonnaCredit: The Today Show

Another added: “I didn’t know I could be this disgusted by Charles Barkley.”

Others did not seem phased by Barkley’s comments as one user wrote: “I dnt know why Charles barkley still surprises yall lol.”

“Ugh, Charles Barkley,” said another.

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Some also criticized after saying those comments about Breonna.

"Charles Barkley lives in a ‘privileged’ neighborhood with a white wife - what do u expect? @TNTSirCharles has to self hate and loose identity just to fit in. But he’s still a y** eater - he just has to do it in the closet," said the user.

People on Twitter shared the video multiple times and made it go viral
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People on Twitter shared the video multiple times and made it go viralCredit: NBA Central
O'Neal was also criticized for agreeing with Barkley
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O'Neal was also criticized for agreeing with BarkleyCredit: EPA
The officers who shot Breonna did not face charges after a grand jury decision, with the exception of one who was charged with wanton endangerment
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The officers who shot Breonna did not face charges after a grand jury decision, with the exception of one who was charged with wanton endangerment Credit: AFP or licensors
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