Philadelphia 76ers legend Charles Barkley is just like other people. While there are some who love and adore him, there are others who despise the former player with every fiber of their being. Barkley is getting a taste of both the love and hate treatment in recent days. One is from a prominent sports magazine. The other, from a bitter television host.
Let’s see what the latest goings-on are in the colorful world of Sir Charles.
Charles Barkley Honored by Sports Illustrated
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First published in 1954, Sports Illustrated has been a prominent name in the sporting community. The magazine has continued to bring updates regarding events and general trivia in relation to various sports, including the NBA. The magazine recently revealed a list of the ‘Top 10 Most Influential Personalities in Sports Media’.
Dominating the list was Charles Barkley. The news site cited the reason for the ranking on the basis that Barkley has an opinion on virtually every topic and that his opinion is always able to generate a significant amount of interest and reaction.
Charles Barkley retired from the world of professional basketball almost 23 years ago.
Since then, Chuck has been a part of TNT’s ‘Inside the NBA’ crew along with prominent basketball icons like Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal, former Rockets player Kenny Smith and sportscaster extraordinaire, Ernie Johnson Jr. The show is known for its insightful analysis, coupled with the co-anchors’ top-notch banter. Barkley himself has been caught in one or two embarrassing moments.
Whether it’s topics like politics and racism or the general game style of NBA players, Barkley has created an image of being brutally honest about whatever he talks about. He says it as it is and doesn’t twist or turn things around.
‘King Charles’, Barkley’s upcoming CNN Prime Time show, with Gayle King, can further enhance his role to discuss his thoughts through a larger and different audience.
Barkley Receives an ‘Offer’ From Skip Bayless
While Charles Barkley may ‘influence’ everyone else, there is one person who does not fall under his charm.
The TNT analyst has recently been trending in the news due to his ongoing feud with ‘Undisputed’ host Skip Bayless. The two men have been at each other’s throats for quite a long time. It all intensified, however, after Skip’s co-host, former NFL Player Shannon Sharpe, bid adieu to ‘Undisputed’ after seven years.
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In the midst of all this, Skip reached out to tell his audience that he wants to give the $3 million co-host job to Barkley. He claimed that the former NBA Player would be his “dream debate partner”. Skip explained he would jump out of bed each morning and “get to work with Charles.”
“Please let me annihilate you on a daily basis,” said Bayless when talking about the offer.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Silent on ‘Annihilation’ Threats, Charles Barkley’s 60-Second Long Emotional Clip Resurfaces
The feud seems to be at a never-ending point. All the fans can do now is wait and watch what happens next.