After playing in the league for 16 years, Hall of Famer Charles Barkley joined Turner Network Television (TNT) as an NBA analyst. Barkley has remained a part of ‘Inside the NBA’ for about 23 years and has treated viewers to hilarious episodes along with colleagues Kenny Smith, Ernie Johnson, and Shaquille O’Neal. However, a new career opportunity for the former Phoenix Suns superstar might soon break up the group. This new possible development has garnered mixed reactions from fans.
‘Inside the NBA’ has given its viewers plenty of hilarious moments that have left fans in splits. Be it Shaq’s display of his feet on national television or Barkley’s savage reply to an internet troll, the NBA analysts have never failed to give their viewers a good laugh.
Charles Barkley might become a new CNN host
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As per reports by Dylan Byers of Puck News, news channel CNN is currently looking to hire Charles Barkley as the host of a prime-time show. According to sources, Chris Licht, CEO of CNN, is apparently in talks with ‘Sir Charles’ regarding the possibility of a future with the network. Barkley will reportedly interview television personalities including journalists and people of similar fields in his show. However, much to NBA fans’ delight, Byers shared that a new deal with CNN would not require him to leave TNT.
Report: CNN targeting Charles Barkley https://t.co/UgXYlwFvkp
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) February 10, 2023
Aside from the serious discussions, Barkley’s hilarious antics and banters with his fellow analysts are arguably what kept the viewers hooked on the show. Therefore, Licht might have sought out Chuck for the very same reason. However, while there is a chance Barkley might be able to make it work with his usual approach, it might also backfire given the difference in the type of shows on each network.
The possibility of Barkley working in a news channel has prompted NBA Twitter to give varied reactions. Some felt that Barkley was a bad choice for hosting a news channel. Whereas, others were enthusiastic about the 11x NBA All-Star giving honest opinions in political discussions.
Below are a few of the reactions from NBA Twitter:
He’d be fired within one segment
— WeOutDaTrenchez (@WeOutDaTrenchez) February 10, 2023
That would be entertaining as he is so much more honest than anyone in political news. He would call out both parties fr
— Sam Richardson (@serichardson_29) February 10, 2023
Charles when his guest starts talking about the polictical economy: pic.twitter.com/Bxj9p6FCWV
— Carlton Banks’ Burner (@cbanksburner) February 10, 2023
Barkley isn’t even gonna consider working in news. He’s stated multiple times how he hates the national media
— plasticono (@plasticono215) February 10, 2023
Turrrrrible idea
— Zohaib Ahmed Majeed (@zohaib6891) February 10, 2023
Unless they are paying ridiculous money guaranteed at signing, this would be a bad move for him.
— Koigi Uteruo (@waksmaina) February 10, 2023
I don’t think Charles want to work more than how much he’s doing right now.
— CR (@TheSaint1025) February 10, 2023
He just signed that huge contract with TNT. Probably not happening lol
— Angelo (@_klaynation_) February 10, 2023
Oh, I'd watch this. Charles would do his own thing and CNN would be like "Wtf did we just do?" 🤣
— Griffin Rains (@GriffinRains89) February 10, 2023
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Barkley’s response to a troll cracks up Shaquille O’Neal
In a 2018 episode of ‘Inside the NBA’, Charles Barkley’s hilarious reply to an internet troll had his co-hosts and the show’s crew bursting out in laughter. Following a criticizing comment against NBA star Markelle Fultz, the ‘Round Mound of Rebound’ fired back at the anonymous user with a rather surprising comment.
WATCH THIS STORY: 5 times Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal had heated fights on Inside The NBA
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Barkley defended Fultz and instead called out the user by saying, “You’re just sitting at home in your grandma’s basement with your draws on, typing on your d*mn keyboard. Shut the hell up, we’re pulling for Markelle Fultz.”
Do you think Chuck would be a good fit on CNN? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.