
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, October 15, 1993                   TAG: 9310150189
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

BARKLEY: `I MIGHT QUIT, TOO'

Charles Barkley, who often has said he wants to leave basketball on a high note, said Thursday he's "99.9 percent sure" this will be his last season in the NBA.

The Phoenix Suns star, the league's marquee player now that Michael Jordan has retired, has said frequently that he didn't expect to play more than another season or two, and would have quit this year if the Suns had beaten the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Finals.

"I think this is my last year," Barkley said from training camp from the team's training camp in Flagstaff, Ariz. "I would like to win the NBA championship, end on an all-time high. I think it would be great to finish like that. In fact, I am 99.9 percent sure this is my last year."

Barkley spoke by telephone with European reporters in connection with the upcoming McDonald's Open in Munich, Germany, in which the Suns will face top European teams.

Barkley, 30, is working himself into shape after collapsing from fatigue during the weekend while running wind sprints. He also is recovering from a back injury and said he would like to put off surgery until he retires.

Barkley, saying he is "feeling good," scrimmaged Wednesday night with the Suns.

The league's MVP, who collapsed Saturday night because of fatigue, took part in a series of five-minute scrimmages, capped by a 12-minute session.

Barkley went head to head with Dan Majerle during one scrimmage, but he sat out about half, saying "the doctors don't want me to take any chances."

"I'm a little fatigued, but I'm feeling good," Barkley said, adding his back wasn't bothering him.

Doctors blamed Barkley's collapse on fatigue but said he has a problem with a disk in his back that will need attention at some point.

The Suns open their exhibition season tonight in Phoenix against the Golden State Warriors.

by CNB