Mr. Edward Durham had told Police he was punched by the NBA's most valuable player during a night out in Arizona, where the Bermudian now lives.

"No or little likelihood of conviction,'' city prosecutor Ms Kay Bigelow said when asked to explain her decision. She declined to elaborate.

Barkley had denied punching the 36-year-old vitamin salesman during an altercation at a trendy nightclub and pool hall.

Police had presented their report to Ms Bigelow on Monday without recommending whether charges should be filed.

Mr. Durham said he intervened during an argument between Barkley and a female fan. Police said more than seven witnesses supported Barkley's claim that he didn't hit Mr. Durham.

Mr. Durham told police Barkley struck him in the mouth after the player cursed a female autograph-seeker, then exchanged remarks with him.

Police had said Barkley could face a misdemeanour assault charge if he were prosecuted.

Ms Bigelow's office has jurisdiction over misdemeanours only. The most serious class of misdemeanours, which would include assaults in which someone was intentionally injured, carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.