Charles Barkley Steps Up for “The Great One” After Four Nations Backlash Intensifies

Imagine what it takes to be Charles Barkley now. Because he is fighting on all fronts! Recently, the 76ers threw jabs at fellow broadcaster and rival, ESPN, for their excessive coverage of the Lakers. Kendrick Perkins and Stephen A. Smith did not back down and replied to the TNT analyst. Now, Sir Charles, this time, was defending an icon of the sport and threw shade at the entire country.

“Stop it, y’all embarrassing everybody. I’m gonna finish up with you know Canada how much I love y’all. I love Canada. Toronto is my favorite city in the world love me some Vancouver; y’all got to be like let the stupid people stay down here. Y’all too great of a country to be hating on my man Wayne Gretzky.” This statement was on the Steam Room podcast. The 1993 MVP was adamant that the Canadians shouldn’t start hating the sports icon for any political reason.

Chuck continued to question the antics of the Canadian people for the Four Nations issues. “Because he didn’t wear red for Canada, he was seen fraternizing with the American team? First of all he spoke to the Canadian team, but the amount of op-eds y’all are writing about him saying he sold out Canada, man, stop it. There’s no prouder Canadian. first of all he’s the greatest jock in y’all history.” Charles Barkley would suggest that The Great One simply greeted every other team present at the tournament, which does not necessarily mean the NHL icon was against his own country.

Later, Sir Charles would call out a publication for dragging the name of a 64-year-old. “In the athletic today that I had just happened to catch the headlines about Wayne Gretzky didn’t stand up to Trump…I’m like I don’t think that’s Wayne’s job. Wayne’s a citizen. He ain’t the Prime Minister, but man y’all this is these people y’all just stupid man.” During the 4 Nations Face-Off Championship in Boston last month, Gretzky served as an honorary captain, but the bias continues to send the wrong message to the NHL icon.

“Be stupid on your own time, Keep it to yourself, don’t be stupid on our time.” Charles Barkly continued the support and called the Hockey HOFer one of the most humble guys around. Even though the Great One is on the side of Barkley, the 76ers legend is not forgiving when it comes to others. Let’s say the American broadcasters are not that lenient.

Charles Barkley faces backlash from international and national locations

Calling not just the entire population for a friend, the 11x All-Star has been vocal about various situations. Chuck has not shied away from discussing sports, culture, and even politics to keep more people engaged. Going against Donald Trump was easy for the Suns legend, who openly endorsed Kamala Harris. After the win, Charles Barkley urged people to support the President to show a united front as a country. But the united front is missing in the broadcasters.

The Lakers are on an 8-game winning streak after beating the Knicks in overtime. Thus, they are currently occupying the No. 2 seed in the West. Naturally, the good things about the Purple and Gold would flow in. Kendrick Perkins took it a step further as he credited the team for saving the NBA. Thus the ironic rant from Charles Barkley started. “He an idiot and a fool, he know who he is. Kendrick Perkins…The fools on the other network (ESPN), which we’re going to be working for next year.” 

The Celtics legend clapped back on X, and the message also included a threat. “Hey @NBAonTNT might wanna tell that senior citizen Charles Barkley that I’ll be around.” KP continued with his tweet, “When he see an idiot or fool in person make sure he keep that same energy. He can come playing with me if he want to and imma address his a– like the numbers on a house. Straight from the 409 homeboy, and we bar none and fade all.”

We all know how passionate Charles Barkley gets. But the broadcaster he jabs at will be his future colleagues. As TNT’s bid ended with a media rights deal, ESPN will take over Inside the NBA on their network. It’s the same network that will carry hockey, too. So, it seems Chuck is ready to face the heat on all fronts.