Billy Ray Bates wasn’t just another baller. Nicknamed the ‘Black Superman,’ Bates became a PBA icon. His NBA stint lasted only 98 games, but in the Philippines, he averaged a record 46.2 PPG! There’s a reason for his legend status on the PBA. He is a classic example of a case of “what could’ve been” story in NBA history. But who could’ve predicted that decades after his PBA reign, Bates’s name would reappear—not on the court, but in a studio?

That’s what makes the Inside the NBA moment so jarring. The TNT crew—Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson—often feels more like friends chatting at a bar than just sports analysts. Their charm lies in the chemistry, the off-script laughs, and the ridiculous tangents. Whether it’s Shaq roasting Barkley’s golf swing or Chuck ranting about San Francisco’s homeless problem, you never know where they’ll go next. But this time, their unscripted chaos might’ve gone a step too far.

It all started during a light segment about playoff bench scoring. Charles Barkley, in his usual casual tone, brought up Bates. “Billy Ray Bates, man. I remember him.” What followed was unexpected. “I wonder if he’s still alive,” Barkley quipped—then realized how that sounded. There ensued a pin-drop silence as the crew sat agape at the question that was just asked. Kenny Smith tried to stop him quickly, saying some questions are better whispered. Even Ernie Johnson chimed in, hinting that Barkley should’ve checked before asking on air. But it was too late; the moment had already gone sideways.

The conversation got even more awkward when Shaquille O’Neal added, “Unfortunately, he passed away.” That was a mistake. Billy Ray Bates is still alive. Barkley defended himself, saying he didn’t mean harm. “I just asked a question,” he said. But the crew wasn’t having it. Kenny barked back, “You ever heard of ‘koof’? The word? You don’t have any,” chiding Barkley for poor vetting. Chuck ended up apologizing, “Oh, forgive me. Forgive me, y’all.” From talk of social skills to jokes about manners, the segment spiraled fast. What was meant to be a tribute turned into a trainwreck, and it all happened live.

Billy Ray Bates – the PBA’s Black Superman and his unexpected journey

Billy Ray Bates’ impact on the PBA was unmatched. His performance there dwarfs his performance in the NBA. To draw a comparison with the NBA franchise, he stands next to giants like LeBron James or Julius Erving in the PBA. That’s how tall his stature is, and so he is still respected and looked at fondly by the world. Despite arriving in the PBA after a turbulent NBA career, Bates’ raw talent was undeniable. With three championships: two with Crispa and one with Ginebra, his presence in the league was something special.

It’s inspiring to see him achieve so much, even if his personal life was far from perfect. Growing up in poverty in Mississippi, Bates’ upbringing was a far cry from his later fame. His father passed away when he was just seven, and the family struggled with poverty. But he didn’t let these challenges stop him! He was a force on the talent, although his career was often overshadowed by personal issues. He was dealing with issues such as drinking and a carefree lifestyle that kept him from reaching his full potential in the NBA.

After bouncing around in the NBA, Bates eventually made his mark in the PBA. His legacy is like no other. But his personal life was another story. He faced several issues like, criminal conviction, alcohol-related incidents, and poor choices off the court that may have tarnished his legacy a bit. His journey is a reminder of the fine line between success and self-destruction, showing how even the brightest stars can fall hard. And all this only makes Shaq’s blunder all the more unfortunate. Well, that be that as it may, what do you think about Barkley’s question? Did you think it crossed the line, or does it come under genuine curiosity?