NBA legend Charles Barkley revealed an unusual habit from his playing days, explaining that he used to keep Vaseline inside his belly button to prevent his lips from becoming dry during games.
The former NBA star discussed the practice during an interview when the host brought up a story previously shared by Karl Malone.
Host: “Another hygiene question. You said one time that you kept Vaseline inside your belly button.”
Barkley confirmed the story and explained that he would prepare before games to ensure he had a convenient supply of Vaseline available.
Barkley: “Yes. Karl Malone told the story. I filled it up before the game because there’s nothing worse than a person with big lips, and during the game, after you lick your lips a few times, they get all crusty and white.”
He then described his simple solution to the problem.
“So I used to stick Vaseline in my belly button.”
The host acknowledged that the location provided a convenient place to keep it during games.
Host: “It’s a good place to hide it.”
Barkley explained that Malone was responsible for making the unusual routine public after mentioning it during a television appearance.
Barkley: “Yeah. And Karl Malone’s the only person told the world. We had him on the show one night. ‘You still keep Vaseline in your belly button?’”
The unexpected question caught Barkley off guard, prompting him to attempt to move the conversation along.
“I say, ‘Ernie, go to the next question.’ And he says, ‘Karl, what are you talking about?’ He says, ‘This dude used to keep Vaseline in his belly button.’”
Despite the embarrassment of having the story revealed, Barkley maintained that the practice served a practical purpose throughout his NBA career.
“But I did used to keep Vaseline in my belly button because, man, let me tell you something, there’s nothing worse than a dude with big lips and they all white and crusty.”
The host then questioned whether the Vaseline would remain in place once Barkley began sweating during games.
Host: “Wouldn’t it slide out once you start to sweat? The Vaseline just drips out?”
Barkley explained that it stayed in place long enough to be useful, although he needed to replenish his supply during the halftime break.
Barkley: “No, it stays in there a little bit because you had to reload at halftime.”
