With the Housten Rockets still grinding through the NBA season, what was Charles Barkely doing working out recantly at a Raleigh health club? Look again. It was Charles Ray, a restaurant cook who is frequently mistaken for the NBA star.

On a road trip to Phoenix last spring, Ray, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound former prep standout at Northside High in Roanoke, Va., drew stares and heard people whispering: "That's Charles Barkely." One fan approached him saying: "Hay Charles, how ya doing, man? I've always wanted to meet you, man."

Ray, a diabetic, hopes to capitalize on his Barkely-like features to help battle diabeties. He has challenged Barkely to a fund-raising, three-point-shooting contest and invited Barkely to do a public service TV commercial with him to promote diabetes awareness.

Ray is still waiting for a response from Sir Charles.

by A.J. Carr
News & Observer, Raleigh NC