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Barkley Will Take Break From TV After Bust

TNT analyst blew .149, way over alcohol limit, nearly 'extreme DUI'

By M. Morris, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 9, 2009 5:24 PM CST

(Newser) – Charles Barkley's blood-alcohol content was nearly twice the legal limit when he was busted on suspicion of DUI on New Year's Eve, the Arizona Republic reports. He blew a .149, well over the limit of .08 and a shade under the state's "extreme DUI" cut-off of .15. The Basketball Hall of Famer has taken a leave of absence from his TNT broadcasting job.

"This is an important time for Charles as he deals with the legal and personal issues that confront him," the president of TNT Sports said. "Charles is a valued part of the Turner Sports organization and we are concerned for his well-being."

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

Hosts of the NBA on TNT: Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley. Barkley has taken a leave of absence. (Business Wire)

Charles Barkley is seen in Scottsdale, Ariz., Dec. 31, 2008, in a booking photo provided by the Gilbert Police Department. (Gilbert Police Department)

In this 2007 file photo, Charles Barkley speaks at the Downtown Tip Off Club luncheon in North Little Rock, Ark. (AP Photo)

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TNT Inside the NBA, 12/25/2008, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson on the Suns' screw-up in defending a game-winning 3-pointer. (sunsdotcum)

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Barkley Will Take Break From TV After Bust