Charles Barkley certainly has nothing going in his favor. After a long struggle, hanging on a thin thread, Warner Bros. gave a ray of hope by matching the offer. However, it didn’t last long as the NBA cut the thread off after shaking hands with Amazon. The NBA legend, who usually doesn’t mince words, went after the league with harsh criticism. Nevertheless, it didn’t seem to cause any stir as the NFL legend, Shannon Sharpe, exposed the 61-year-old.

Ever since TNT’s future with the league became uncertain, Chuck has always opened up about his plans. He once said, “I just signed a 10-year deal two years ago. But one of the things I did was I put an opt-out after a couple years because I wanted to cover my a** when it comes to this situation.”

Now that TNT is out of the race, Barkley has a decision to make, whether to stick with TNT or use his opt-out to look for other opportunities.

In fact, following the NBA’s decision to go with Amazon, Charles Barkley went on slamming the league. He said, “Clearly, the NBA has wanted to break up with us from the beginning. I’m not sure TNT ever had a chance…The NBA didn’t want to piss them off. It’s a sad day when owners and commissioners choose money over the fans. It just sucks,” in a statement via Bleacher Report. 

Looking closely at the affair, Shannon Sharpe jumped the gun and went after the legend with an expose. Speaking in the latest episode of Night Cap, Sharpe said, “Barkley had an out clause. If TNT lost basketball, he can become a free agent unless they guaranteed the last the remaining nine years at $190 million, which doesn’t make sense to me if they don’t have basketball. Why would you pay someone 190 million, what you going to have him do? You don’t have enough sporting.” Sharpe certainly pointed out the safe spot that Barkley has created for himself.

Will TNT and Charles Barkley return to the NBA?

Inside Guys on TNT had been a crucial part of the NBA viewing experience. The camaraderie between Shaquille O’Neal, Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson has produced many wholesome moments and indeed became household names of almost every American household. However, the fans will witness them for one last time in the upcoming season. Until then, there isn’t any certainty. But the two latest updates showed promising signs.

Earlier, Chuck had declared that he would retire after the next season, but in a recent interview The Athletic, he revealed that he has kept his options open for ESPN, NBC, and Amazon by availing his out clause with TNT. 

On the other hand, Warner Bros., the parent company has sued NBA after they refused to sign them despite matching the amount. TNT Sports, in a statement, said, “Given the NBA’s unjustified rejection of our matching of a third-party offer, we have taken legal action to enforce our right.” The league has 20 days to respond to the complaint. Will the league reconsider their decision? Let us know in the comments below.

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