Future Hall of Famer Shocked as Charles Barkley Broke Incredible News at Stephen Curry Golf Match: “Get Out of Here”

It’s that time of the year again – time for the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame to hold its induction ceremony. Taking place at the Hilton Midtown in Manhattan, the event will be held today to commemorate the people who have helped the sports broadcasting industry experience the unprecedented success that it enjoys today. And one name that resounds loud and clear in this industry is Ernie Johnson.

Therefore, it was no surprise when news broke out that the Inside the NBA host would be inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. He was made aware of this back in June during Capital One’s ‘The Match.’ While Ernie suits up for the induction ceremony tonight, let’s take a look back at his dumbfounded response when he heard the news.

Ernie Johnson couldn’t believe Charles Barkley

‘The Match’ for its eighth edition pitted stars from two different sports to battle it out in the green for a noble cause. This year, the annual charity golf exhibition brought together Splash Brothers Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson and Super Bowl champs Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. While the back-and-forth matchup delivered the promised thrill, it was Charles Barkley‘s shocking revelation that stole the show.

Chuck was the one to break out the exciting news to his longtime TNT co-star and future Hall of Famer, Ernie Johnson. “Can I say something, Ernie?” began Charles. “This is big. I’m the only person up here who knows this. I want to be the first person, it’s an honour and a privilege to congratulate Ernie Johnson on going into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame.”

The six-time Sports Emmy Award winner, completely taken aback by the unexpected disclosure, in a moment of disbelief, responded, “Get out of here. Chuckster, what are you talking about?”

However, recollecting himself, he expressed his gratitude for the honour. “Whoever is responsible for that, whoever votes for that, I am humbled beyond words. Thank you so much. Means the world to me. I’ve been at this for 34 years at the same place [Turner Sports], and over 40 years in broadcasting. I’m stunned. Thank you so much. I appreciate that very much.”

Looking back at Ernie Johnson’s career

Johnson has dedicated nearly 40 years to the sports broadcasting industry. He started in college when he got a job at WAGQ-FM in Athens. Following that, he explored the industry more as he worked as a news anchor at WMAZ-TV and a news reporter at WSPA-TV and WSB-TV. Then everything changed when he got hired at Turner Sports, now Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, in 1989. However, it wasn’t until 1990 when Johnson took over hosting duties for the show that would ultimately define his career: Inside the NBA.

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Over the years, Johnson has received various accolades for his outstanding work, including six Sports Emmy Awards for Outstanding Sports Personality, and Studio Host honors. In 2021, Johnson was named the National Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. The Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame induction will just be another cherished accolade.

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