Charles Barkley has had quite a successful stint working as a TV analyst after retiring from the NBA. A member of ‘Inside The NBA’ on TNT, the former MVP has become a beloved entity on live television. Recently, he signed a 10-year contract that would keep him in the analyst seat for the foreseeable future. The ‘Round Mound of Rebound’ has found a home away from the court working on TV.

With the TNT crew doing so well, their popularity is unmatched within the NBA community. And after the recent mass exodus of reporters from ESPN that included two NBA millionaires, their popularity can only rise.

ESPN reporters feel the brunt of ‘cost cutting’ by Disney

During one of the most brutal ‘cost cutting’ layoffs in recent history, about 20 on-air ESPN reporters were given their marching orders earlier this week. Done to meet the financial goals for the foreseeable future, the mass exit was prompted by Disney’s decision to lay off 700 employees.

As a result, an old clip of Barkley passing a triggering remark about ESPN has resurfaced. Stemming from a post-game discussion between Ernie and himself, the video shows Charles Barkley berating ESPN on live TV, stating, “They are going to work me like a dog and not pay me.”

The remark caused the entire crew to go into hysterics. Fellow analyst Kenny Smith then asked Charles, “Wait, why wouldn’t you go to ESPN?” to which Barkley reiterated his previous statement, “Because they are going to work me like a dog.”

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Continuing to joke, he said, “You’re going to be on ESPN 1,2,3, ESPN News, ESPN NU, ESPN Radio and then come up with that puny little check.”

Trashing his ESPN counterparts, Barkley went on to deliver one of the most iconic lines in TV history, stating, “They’ll have me on ESPN Deportes saying ‘Muy bien gracias.'”

The ESPN exodus includes two NBA millionaires

While Sir Charles’ banter brings comedic relief to the situation, the seriousness of the situation isn’t lost on anyone. Former NBA player Jalen Rose and coach Jeff Van Gundy were two notable names that felt the brunt of this decision. The two had cemented themselves as NBA analysts in the past few years but will need to look at pastures anew following the recent incident.

Several names are being floated around as the replacement. Some of the prominent ones include JJ Redick, Doris Burke & Richard Jefferson. However, irrespective of who takes up the mantle, will definitely find it difficult to match the hype of Van Gundy & Rose. Van Gundy was associated with ESPN for over sixteen years and narrowly missed his personal milestone of 1000 games as an analyst.

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Although Charles Barkley’s triggering admission has left many holding their bellies, was Stephen A. Smith’s employers right in making this decision? Share your views in the comments.