A portion of sports activities followers (myself included) had been devastated earlier this yr when it appeared like TNT’s long-running sports activities speak present, Contained in the NBA, could be canceled as a result of community dropping the printed rights to the league. Nevertheless, in November, the aforementioned community struck a cope with ESPN to maintain the present on the air past this present season. It’s an thrilling prospect, although it appears co-host Charles Barkley’s future with this system isn’t set in stone simply but, and he’s nonetheless ready for one factor in that regard.
The 61-year-old media pundit and former basketball participant has by no means been one to carry again his ideas on a given subject, and that’s prolonged to his work at TNT Sports activities and Turner Broadcasting. Extra not too long ago, “Sir Charles” appeared on The Dan Patrick Present, the place the eponymous host requested him whether or not his present contract would carry over to ESPN. When responding, the corridor of famer shared some sincere ideas:
I haven’t determined but. … I’m listening to NBC and Amazon. I wish to know all the things that’s on the desk for me earlier than I check in. I really like these guys at ESPN, and if we find yourself there, I’m gonna do the most effective I presumably can.
Such feedback could also be just a little worrisome to those that get pleasure from Charles Barkley and Shaq’s antics on Contained in the NBA. Regardless of that, the no-nonsense sports activities character’s take is unquestionably cheap. He has plenty of provides earlier than him, and he’d understandably wish to select the one which greatest advantages him personally. The monetary facet is just one aspect to think about, although. As Barkley went on to elucidate within the video posted to X, there’s one thing extra sensible that he’d wish to obtain from all of his potential employers at this level:
[ESPN] hasn’t even given us any type of schedule in any way. However I’d be doing myself a disservice to not meet with NBC, which I’ve, and meet with Amazon, which I’ve. And the primary factor I’ve advised everyone, ‘Can y’all please give me a rattling schedule?’ I imply, as a result of no person is aware of all the things… At the very least at TNT, I all the time knew, that is our schedule. Like I mentioned, I really like ESPN, I bought nothing in opposition to them, however I wanna know the way a lot I’m gonna be working.
After Dan Patrick – a former ESPN worker – opined that the Spherical Mound of Rebound may be working greater than he thinks he’ll, the previous athlete mentioned they weren’t going to work him like a “rattling canine.” That is clearly a person who is aware of what he needs and doesn’t need so far as a office is anxious. It shouldn’t be all that shocking to listen to such pointed ideas from the fan-favorite sportscaster, given the opposite wild issues he’s mentioned about Contained in the NBA as of late. In all honesty, it appeared that he was going to attempt to keep in his present employer’s good graces, as he not too long ago joked that it was time to start out “kissing ass” once more following the brand new deal.
It’s humorous to assume that earlier this yr, it appeared that Charles Barkley was transferring away from the TV enterprise. This previous June, Barkley introduced that he would retire from broadcasting on the finish of 2024-2025 NBA season no matter whether or not Inside was saved. Nevertheless, months later, Barkley walked again his retirement speak, after agreeing to a brand new cope with TNT. The idea has been that Barkley’s future with the present he’s lengthy co-hosted could be assured however, following his newest feedback, that doesn’t appear to be the case.
Not solely that, nevertheless it’s additionally been alleged that Shaquille O’Neal feels uneasy, as a result of he doesn’t have a brand new deal in place. Whether or not or not we should always really be involved about Shaq and Charles Barkley staying on the present with Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith is difficult to say at this level. But, as a fan, I’m undoubtedly hoping that the logistics are found out sooner relatively than later. Additionally, can somebody please get Barkley that schedule he’s asking for?