Former NBA Star Charles Barkley Settles Debt, But Is $40,000 Short

Las Vegas, NV (AHN) - Former NBA star Charles Barkley has settled his debt with a Las Vegas Strip casino following a criminal suit threat in case he failed to pay, but is $40,000 short.

The 45-year-old Barkley, now a basketball analyst for the Turner Network Television, has sent a $400,000 cashier's check overnight to Wynn Las Vegas but is still facing a the prospect of a lawsuit after failing to satisfy $40,000 which represents the 10 percent processing fees of the district attorney.

"True to my word, I sent a $400,000 cashier's check overnight to Wynn Las Vegas, which they confirmed they received," Barkley told the Associated Press. "I was unaware of the additional 10 percent processing fee from the district attorney's office and will make restitution on that promptly."

Jennifer Dunne, a spokeswoman for Wynn Las Vegas acknowledged the receipt of Barkley's check Tuesday afternoon after repeated demands by the hotel for four $100,000 casino markers or loans dated Oct. 18 and 19. The check was later sent to the district attorney's office.

Clark County District Attorney David Roger said that they have been in contact with Barkley's representatives and is expecting payment within the next few days.

"For right now, the next year or two, I'm not going to gamble," the 11-time All-Star, who promised to settle the processing fee, told the Associated Press. "Just because I can afford to lose money doesn't mean I should do it."

Barkley, who has never denied or hid his gambling over the years, is an NBA veteran for 16 seasons starting with his original team the Philadelphia 76ers, followed by the Phoenix Suns where he won the NBA MVP trophy in 1993 before finishing his basketball career with the Houston Rockets. He also played on two USA "Dream Teams" the first one in 1992 and in 1996.