Charles Barkley Checks Out of the Slammer

Former NBA star released from jail after serving three days for Dec. 31 DUI

Charles Barkley's lost weekend is officially over.

The former basketball All-Star was released from an Arizona jail Monday morning after serving approximately 36 hours behind bars for his Dec. 31 DUI.

Barkley, who was first sentenced to 10 days—or five on the condition he attend an alcohol-education program—had his time reduced to three days on the recommendation of Phoenix prosecutors.

The outspoken NBA analyst checked into Phoenix's Tent City facility at 8 a.m. Saturday, was released on a work furlough from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, and then spent one more night locked up before leaving for good at 8 a.m. today, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

Barkley pleaded guilty to driving under the influence for his morning-of-New-Year's-Eve arrest, which occurred after he ran a stop sign en route to, according to him, a rendezvous with a lady friend. In addition to the jail time, he was slapped with a $2,000 fine.

"I have to give him credit for at least being honest and taking responsibility in what he did," Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio told the Arizona Republic. "He doesn't have any excuses. I hope he learns a lesson."

Barkley said he was sorry, at least.

"That's unacceptable, 100 percent my fault...I screwed up, I made a mistake, I'm sorry, I apologize," the Inside the NBA cohost said upon his return to the TNT program after a network-imposed hiatus following his arrest.