NBA analyst Charles Barkley takes leave

ATLANTA, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Turner Sports said Friday that TNT basketball analyst Charles Barkley would be taking some time off to deal with his drunken-driving arrest in Arizona.

Turner Sports President David Levy said in a written statement that Barkley would be taking a leave of absence and remained "a valued part of the Turner Sports organization."

"When I spoke with Charles, he was apologetic for the events that transpired and it was obvious he understood the significance of this situation," Levy said. "This is an important time for Charles as he deals with the legal and personal issues that confront him."

Barkley, a former NBA star and popular commentator for TNT's NBA telecasts, was arrested early New Year's Eve on suspicion of drunken driving in Scottsdale. The Arizona Republic said Friday that Barkley's blood-alcohol level registered a .149, nearly twice the state's legal limit of .08.