Charles Barkley Is Sickened by TNT’s Impending Move, Claims ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith While Igniting Hope in Fans

“No matter what happens, next year is going to be my last year on television”, said Charles Barkley on live TV, when he announced his retirement after game 4 between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks. With the Inside the NBA ending on a sad note and the crew heading in different directions, fans are sure this is the end of TNT. However, ESPN analyst Stephen. A. Smith believes this sudden decision from Barkley is not permanent. The ESPN analyst had quite the reasons to highlight to prove Barkley was bluffing. 

In his hour-long podcast episode, Smith shared about Barkley’s retirement, “I just don’t think it’s going to happen. I don’t think Charles Barkley’s leaving…Charles Barkley loves those people at TNT.”  By people, Smith did just mean the crew of four – Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, and Ernie Johnson. But the people behind the scenes as well. “It’s a family over there to him. He can’t imagine wanting to be somewhere else, working with or for somebody else, while those people are looking for a job.”

Smith is sure that a loyal person like Barkley would never leave TNT hanging after having worked there for 24 years. He doesn’t have the heart to do that. The Philadelphia 76ers legend has always wanted the best for the people at TNT, which questions his sudden exit from broadcasting. 

“I just think he is pissed off at the way colleagues at TNT are being thrown out to pasture in his eyes. He’d rather walk out,” said Smith about Barkley. Smith did not end here. He also shared an accurate scenario, in which he believes Barkley would make a return to television. 

Stephen. A. Smith reveals how Charles Barkley will come out from retirement 

With TNT likely not to be a part of the NBA in the upcoming seasons, the crew behind the camera will have no choice but to find another place to work. Hundreds of employees will have to find a new home and Smith believes Barkley will not let that happen. 

Smith shared a scenario, “The same Barkley that said, ‘I’ve had my time’ and I’m about to give it up‘, let those same people be out of a job and somebody tell Charles Barkley, ‘You know what, your production company can produce your own NBA show and everybody will flock to you and you can keep those people employed‘. I’m willing to bet my check, Charles Barkley would do it just for them.”

This could be a safe bet from Smith, considering Barkley’s love for the people at TNT. He has often iterated that it has been the 200 people losing their jobs that he is most worried about. Chuck has one more year with the team until he retires. Maybe as suggested, we might see him return to the scenario.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video: