![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/ezgif.com-gif-maker-13-1.jpg?width=600)
via Reuters
Former U.S. President Barack Obama awards NBA star Michael Jordan the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, U.S., November 22, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/ezgif.com-gif-maker-13-1.jpg?width=600)
via Reuters
Former U.S. President Barack Obama awards NBA star Michael Jordan the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, U.S., November 22, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
Philadelphia 76ers legend Charles Barkley has formed a relationship with former POTUS Barack Obama over the years. The two have worked on a few initiatives in the past that help young men become better people. The two have known each other long before Barack Obama was the President of the country. Yet, when Barkley first interviewed him, he was profusely nervous.
Charles Barkley recalled that moment as one of the coolest experiences of his life. On the show, ‘In Depth With Graham Bensinger,’ Barkley talked about his experience meeting the former President for the first time.
Charles Barkley recalls meeting Barack Obama for the first time
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The first time Barkley met Barack Obama, he was really nervous. As the 76ers legend said, Obama was a brilliant man. He was running for the Senate when Barkley had the opportunity to meet him.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-566065191.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
via Getty
TNT announcer Charles Barkley talks about the Lakers prior to playing against the San Antonio Spurs in game one of the Western Conference Finals on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at the Staples Center. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
As soon as Barkley left, he narrated how he felt. He said, “This guy is special. This guy is very special. I didn’t know he was gonna be the president that quick. But I knew I was around somebody who had it together.”
Barkley and the host of the show, Graham Bensinger, went on to talk about the first time ‘Sir Charles’ interviewed him. Bensinger, while rewatching the interview, noticed that the NBA legend was nervous.
That is when Barkley mentioned, “Well, first of all, it’s so funny, like you look at your crew. We had like four-five people and we’re waiting. And I’m trying to make them relax and trying to relax myself. I said, ‘is anybody in here nervous other than me?’ They’re like dude, I’m scared to death.”
Even though the 11-time All-Star already knew Obama from before, he was still nervous over the fact that he was interviewing a President of the United States.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The last time Barkley and Obama were linked together
Charles Barkley and Barack Obama were recently linked with the potential purchase of Barkley’s former team, the Phoenix Suns. Barkley played for the suns from 1992 to 96 and also won the NBA MVP award during the 1993 season.
Watch This Story – Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and other stars sharing their memorable moments with Barack Obama
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The owner of the Phoenix Suns was looking to sell the franchise after he was accused of racism and sexism within the team. A one-year suspension and a fine of $10 million were handed to the Suns’ owner, Robert Sarver.
Obama and Barkley were never able to finalize a deal that involved other majority stakeholders; however, they still share a relationship to this day.