Article: Bark, set, go: Charles Barkley talks the talk, then runs the run in beating 67-year-old ref Dick Bavetta

Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, who turns 44 on Tuesday, made good on his boast that he could beat NBA referee Dick Bavetta, 67, in a footrace during All-Star Saturday in Las Vegas.

"Forty-four [vs.] 67," Bavetta told the crowd at the Thomas & Mack Center. "I think we're ready for a Barkley-Bavetta II. Let's not mistake [anything], but give credit to the champion. I applaud you. Thank you, Charles."

Barkley returned the kindness.

"Dick has been one of my favorite people," Barkley said. "I thank him for going along with this. We're going to give two blackjack hands [$50,000] to charity [the Boys and Girls Club]. So enjoy this tonight."

Bavetta played catch-up from the start of the ...

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