Jealous of Michael Jordan’s Riches, $60 Million Worth Charles Barkley Once Dissed MJ’s $5 Billion Company

Fans know Michael Jordan for his basketball abilities on the court. But only the die-hard fans of Jordan also know him as a business mogul. Although His Airness has been a professional athlete in three sports, his knack for making money has always stayed the same. In collaboration with Nike, Jordan made billions of dollars under the ‘Jordan’ brand. Jordan has earned respect and love all over the world. However, Jordan’s ‘Dream Team’ teammate Charles Barkley does not fall under that category. 

Barkley, widely known as ‘Chuck,’ has been friends with Jordan for many years. With a lot in common, like their love for golf and gambling, their relationship flourished. During an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Chuck, who had $60 million in his bank account, expressed jealousy towards Jordan’s wealthy lifestyle and money. He proceeded to criticize Jordan’s $5 billion company. Even though Jordan gave it back to him, the damage could not have been undone.

Chuck throws a playful jab at the ‘Jordan’ brand

Since their ‘Dream Team’ days together, Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley have developed a deep respect for one another. The duo displayed their fun-loving relationship in a show with Oprah Winfrey. Barkley and Jordan were going back and forth during the whole episode. Barkley directly attacked Jordan’s $5 billion company in one such instance. 

During the conversation, talking about Jordan’s money and net worth, Chuck made fun of Jordan’s attire, “He’s put on his modern clothes.” Being Jordan and not backing down from a challenge, Jordan returned it to Chuck, who was decked out in Jordan Brand gear. 

“How much did you spend for that?”

To this Chuck replied without hesitating, “All I got are these cheap Jordans, though.”

The audience loved the banter and the cat-mouse relationship Jordan and Barkley have. 

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Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley were best friends during their playing days and even post-retirement. Their shared love for basketball and golf kept them together. Jordan, post-retirement, became a full-time businessman, earning him a staggering amount of money. On the other hand, Chuck made a name for himself for his honest basketball analysis. 

However, their camaraderie faced a strain when their professional journeys intersected. After Jordan acquired the Charlotte Hornets, the team did not find much success due to questionable decisions of the front office. Barkley, known for his straightforward opinions, openly criticized Jordan’s ownership during a period when the team was faltering.

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The Chicago Bulls legend did not take the criticism nicely and later expressed his anger in a phone call. As a result, their once-close friendship suffered, and communication between the two ceased for over a decade.