One thing is for certain during Inside the NBA, the jokes fly just as freely as the amazing basketball analysis they provide. And the chemistry that is shared between Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, and Ernie Johnson is what makes the show an absolute must-watch and a fan favorite. When Charles Barkley decided to sport oversized glasses on a recent episode of Inside the NBA, the crew and especially Kenny Smith did not let it slide. 

If you think about it, Charles Barkley is not exactly known for making low-key fashion statements and even by his standards, these glasses were something else. Charles Barkley, who has admitted in the past that his eyesight is not on the same level as what it used to be and then subsequently picked up the thick-rimmed spectacles after admittedly struggling to read notes and the news on teleprompters during the show. So, he decided to sport those glasses on live TV.

Kenny Smith, who doesn’t really pass up any opportunities to roast his longtime friend, took one look at Charles Barkley and went to town. He said, “Man, those things look like two 20-inch TVs!” he said, absolutely cracking up the entire studio. After this friendly jibe, Kenny Smith took to social media and posted a story on Instagram containing a selfie of him and Charles with the caption, “Please take of those glasses,” urging Barkley to take off those ridiculous glasses.

Well, Charles Barkley is no stranger to being roasted and he takes it on his chin every single time, especially given his wardrobe choices. The turtlenecks he dons have been the subject of countless jokes. Chuck is the ultimate good sport. It is just his sportsmanship translating from the hardwood to television. Let us see the instances where Chuck has been roasted before.

Charles Barkley’s history of being roasted

If you think this was the first time that Chuck got roasted, think again. Just a few weeks prior, when Jalen Rose was brought on as a guest analyst on the show, they took a jab at Barkely, asking, “Are those welding glasses? Looking like Madea,” which was a comparison to the famous Tyler Perry character who also sports funny spectacles sent the crew into a frenzy. While Barkley took it in stride, it was apparently clear that his new eyewear was not winning any style points.

There is more, the roasting that was yet to be endured by Chuck had just begun. Shaq, unable to resist, joined in, saying, “Chuck, those glasses got their own zip code!” Another individual, Ernie Johnson, the one most neutral and quietest, shed his silence and added, “You sure you’re reading notes and not scanning the stock market with those?” After that comment, the entire set was buckled over in laughter, and a retort came from Barkley, “Y’all just jealous because I can actually see the game now!” just reminding us why Chuck is a legend in his own right.

Beyond the jokes, Chuck is a natural entertainer. The unfiltered takes he takes, his amazing storytelling and his willingness to poke fun at himself made him a beloved figure in sports media. One thing is certain, Charles Barkley is iconic, while his choice of eyewear, is not so much!