Ferguson Michael Brown Latest News Update: Charles Barkley Backs Ferguson Jury Verdict, Says Rioters Are 'Scumbags'

Former NBA star Charles Barkley appeared to have stirred a hornet's nest after making blunt remarks that contradicted those made by prominent black leaders and athletes who assailed the grand jury decision not to indict officer Darren Wilson in the Michael Brown shooting.

Speaking off the cuff, Barkley rocked the airwaves when he was interviewed on 97.5 The Fanatic radio station in Philadelphia the day after the Ferguson decision was announced last week.

Host Mike Missanelli asked the outspoken sports celebrity why "black America" doesn't trust the ruling.

To the listeners' surprise, instead of joining the chorus of protests against the grand jury, Barkley actually defended the jurors and blamed the media instead for leading people to "jump into conclusions," thus exacerbating the raging racial firestorm.

"The true story came out from the grand jury testimony," Barkley said, adding that "key forensic evidence, and several black witnesses supported Officer Darren Wilson's story..."

The man nicknamed "Sir Charles" didn't have nice words to say to the media covering the event, particularly television: "I can't believe anything I hear on television anymore. And, that's why I don't like talking about race issues with the media anymore, because they (the media) love this stuff, and lead people to jump to conclusions. The media shouldn't do that. They never do that when black people kill each other."

Barkley detonated his biggest verbal bomb when he called the black people who rioted and looted in Ferguson as "scumbags," saying "there is no excuse for people to be out there burning down people's businesses, burning down police cars."

He expressed support to the police, particularly those who work in black neighborhoods. "We have to be really careful with the cops, because if it wasn't for the cops we would be living in the Wild, Wild West in our neighborhoods," he said. "We can't pick out certain incidentals that don't go our way and act like the cops are all bad.... Do you know how bad some of these neighborhoods would be if it wasn't for the cops?"

His comments were in sharp contrast to the statements made by black leaders -- including Rev. Al Sharpton and civil rights activist Jesse Jackson -- who blasted the police, accusing them of racial profiling and outright racism.

Other black athletes have also reacted negatively to the Ferguson verdict. Before Sunday's kickoff against the Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams' Stedman Bailey, Tavon Austin, Jared Cook, Chris Givens and Kenny Britt entered the field with their hands up, referring to the "hands up, don't shoot," rallying cry of Michael Brown supporters.

With little regard for political correctness, Barkley vowed to continue voicing his thoughts on the Ferguson decision and on racial issues in America, telling listeners, "I ain't shutting up and I ain't backing down."

Barkley immediately drew heated mixed response online. "Charles Barkley speaks the truth about Ferguson, calls out the media, and it's EPIC," writes Young Conservatives.

"Former NBA star Charles Barkley slams Ferguson rioters, leftstream media and Obama," says the Tea Party News Network.

"Pretty intelligent comments by Charles Barkley on CNBC. On several topics, actually, including the Zimmerman trial,"says Tom Getz (@Getztowondering).

"Barkley is honest man. Have to respect his take on the #Zimmerman case and on racism," says Richard Golding (@24kt_GLD).

There were angry barbs as well. "Charles Barkley is the modern day Uncle Tom and he just made every virulent Klan and hate group in America cheer," says Jeff Gauvin (@JeffersonObama).

"Charles Barkley is the laughing stock of the sports world....dumb as shit and well trained by his slave masters," says Jeff Gauvin (@JeffersonObama).

This was not the first time that Barkley raised the eyebrows of many people with his blunt remarks. Last year, Barkley said the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin was right.

"That's probably not a popular opinion among most people. But just looking at the evidence, I agreed with the verdict," he told CNBC host Maria Bartiromo on CNBC's Closing Bell about the Zimmerman verdict.

During his 16-year career in the NBA, Barkley made a name for himself not only for dominating presence in the basketball court but also for his feisty manners, sense of humor and sharp tongue.

At one time his comment sparked national controversy when he said that pro basketball players and other athletes should not be considered as role models for the youth. "I am not a role model," he declared.

Asked why he always attracts controversy, Barkley once responded: "I don't create controversies. They're there long before I open my mouth. I just bring them to your attention."