“You see, in their last moments, people show you who they really are”. The quote popularized by Heath Ledger’s Joker has some truth to it. After all, what’s the need to pretend when a person is approaching the final stage of his/her journey? Though Charles Barkley’s television broadcasting career may not be coming to an end soon, it is evident now that his journey with TNT has. With the memorable ‘Inside the NBA’ show set to shift to ESPN after the conclusion of the ongoing season, the place that the former player had called his ‘professional home’ for over two decades won’t be there for him anymore. Therefore, channeling his inner joker, Barkley has chosen to adopt a ‘No F***s Given’ attitude.

The ‘Inside the NBA’ crew consisting of Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, and Kenny Smith is currently in the Bay Area to cover the ongoing All-Star Weekend. A behind-the-scenes clip highlighted the fans standing behind the hosts booing and jeering loudly. Chants of “F**k you, Chuck” were being given out by everyone. Either the fans carried some genuine hate for the former player, or they simply wanted to provoke a reaction from him. No matter what, a reaction is what they got. Charles Barkley turned towards them, and put out his middle finger from both his hands! However, instead of more boos, the crowd cheered on Barkley’s actions. People can be confusing at times.

This instance didn’t mark the first time that Charles Barkley displayed his not-so-best side to the people of Bay Area. A few days ago, the Philadelphia 76ers legend received boos from the crowd at Pier 48 in San Francisco. However, the former player brought the hate on himself after he had earlier said that “San Francisco is not a beautiful city!”, and compared it to a “rat-infested place” and the “armpit of America”. Therefore, even as Barkley took a stance on supporting the homeless during the Pier 48 segment, the boos did not stop. Barkley used this as a foundation to further speak out against the crowd. He said, “See, I said, ‘Help the homeless,’ and some of these people are so stupid they boo”.

TNT and ‘Inside the NBA’ were on the NBA community’s focus in 2024 after the network lost its media rights. After all, it felt like ‘Inside The NBA’ was set to see its final days. However, in November, it was reported that the network would license the show to broadcast on ESPN and ABC from the 2025-26 season onwards. TNT Sports would continue to produce it. Unfortunately, saving the show did not guarantee that all 4 hosts would join ESPN to continue being a part of it. In late January, CNBC reported that O’Neal and Smith were on the verge of re-signing with TNT Sports. One part of it turned into reality a few days ago. Front Office Sports reported that Shaquille O’Neal secured a long-term deal with TNT Sports which would pay him over $15 million per year!

As for Charles Barkley, he discussed his future in a recent interview with Dan Patrick by stating “I haven’t decided yet. I’m listening to NBC and Amazon. I want to know everything that’s on the table for me before I sign in. I love those guys at ESPN and if we end up there, I’m gonna do the best I possibly can.” Barkley may have forgotten that he had once roasted ESPN by attacking their work culture. “They’re not gonna work me like a dog and not pay me?” is what he said.

Nevertheless, no matter what happens, it is clear that Charles Barkley’s major television broadcasting chapter is coming to an end. He will be saying goodbye to the show he was the host of for a quarter century. Therefore, if he is going out, then why not do it by putting his true opinions to the forefront? After all, even Shaquille O’Neal has also adopted a ‘No F***s Given’ attitude.

Shaquille O’Neal dropped ‘F-Bomb’ before ‘Inside the NBA’s final All-Star Weekend Coverage: “We’re getting fired anyway”

Even before the All-Star Weekend commenced, the ‘Inside the NBA’ crew was in San Francisco. They covered the Golden State Warriors–Houston Rockets matchup while the Warriors were in Houston. During halftime, Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley raced each other, in front of a live audience. Shaq won the race by reaching the video board in the back of the set first. In the excitement, Shaq hilariously said, “In the words of Marshawn Lynch, I’m tired as s—, America”. The hosts laughed, and the 52-year-old added, “We’re getting fired anyway, Ernie, f— it!”. Wow!

Charles Barkley has always been known as someone who gives out his unfiltered and honest opinions. Combining that with a ‘No F***s Given’ attitude, one can only presume how far the former player could go. Therefore, as the All-Star game will commence in the coming hours, it will be interesting to see if Barkley gives out any additional quips or roasts.