T-Mobile Hangs Up on Charles Barkley

Carrier pulls "Fave 5" commercials featuring the former NBA star "for the time being" after DUI arrest

By Natalie Finn Jan 14, 2009 1:20 AMTags

It's becoming increasingly harder to hear Charles Barkley now.

T-Mobile has pulled its commercials featuring the former NBA star and on-hiatus TNT game analyst in light of his recent DUI bust.

"Given the recent developments, for the time being, we've replaced TV ads featuring Mr. Barkley with more general-market advertising," read a statement released by the mobile carrier, per the New York Post. "As he works through his personal matters, we will evaluate where to go from here."

In T-Mobile's "Who's in your Fave 5?" ads, Barkley plays the role of mentor and good-natured harasser to current pro-basketball stud Dwayne Wade.

Barkley, who's been voted one of the 50 greatest NBA players of all time, was arrested early on Dec. 31 in Scottsdale, Ariz., on suspicion of drunken driving after officers allegedly spotted him running a stop sign.

Tests ultimately showed that his blood-alcohol level was 0.149 percent, according to the Gilbert Police Department.

Last week TNT announced that its outspoken, Emmy-winning commentator was taking a leave of absence.