“The notion that I’m going to be working like a dog into my mid-60s, that’s definitely not going to happen.” While Charles Barkley made it loud and clear that his broadcasting future with ESPN depends upon his workload with the network, Ernie Johnson has been more on the hopeful side. During one of the recent episodes of The Dan Patrick Show, Johnson stated he would continue doing the show with his mates from Inside the NBA. Former ESPN employee Dan Patrick, however, had a tempting offer for Johnson.

During his show, Patrick reflected on his own career, admitting he’s not looking to stay in the game much longer. “I’m done in three years… I will be 71,” he said, acknowledging that the media world would move on just fine without him. When Johnson pointed out that they were the same age, Patrick saw an opportunity.

“Why don’t we go out together?” he suggested, dangling the idea of a farewell tour for both of them. Ernie Johnson’s response? Classic media charm. “Wouldn’t that be nice… That would just tug at the hearts,” he said, sidestepping a direct answer. But make no mistake—his plans were already made clear.

He assured Patrick that when the time came, it wouldn’t be a sudden exit. “It’s not like… We’re gonna hang up here, and suddenly I’m. I have retired. No,” he explained, even saying he couldn’t wait for next season to stay with the guys. The decision on his future will come only after spending more time with his Inside the NBA family.

That being said, retirement isn’t off the table. Especially with the show’s fate in limbo over the past year, with Barkley openly criticizing TNT Sports for fumbling their NBA deal, the uncertainty hasn’t gone away. And even though they landed a deal with ESPN, things might not exactly be all smooth with the new network either.

Charles Barkley’s issue with ESPN’s work culture

As reported by the New York Post last year, Barkley locked in a massive 10-year deal with TNT, worth somewhere between $100 million and $200 million. But even before he signed, he had already turned down a jaw-dropping $100 million offer to stay put. It became clear that money isn’t the deciding factor for Chuck in his 60s—it’s all about work culture.

And if there’s one thing Barkley won’t tolerate, it’s being overworked. During a chat on The SI Media Podcast, he made it loud and clear—ESPN just isn’t his kind of workplace. He scoffed at the idea of being juggled across ESPN Radio, ESPN2, and ESPN Deportes, saying there was no chance he’d let himself be “worked like a dog” into his mid-60s. While he gave props to ESPN, he wasn’t about to sign up for what he sees as an exhausting schedule.

But here’s where things get interesting. Barkley initially gave ESPN a glimmer of hope when he spoke to Chris Miles after the Warner Bros. Discovery and TNT merger. At the time, he sounded open to the idea of making the jump. Yet, anyone who follows Chuck knows he’s never been one to stick to a script. From announcing his retirement and then backtracking to swearing loyalty to TNT before reconsidering other options, he’s kept everyone guessing.

So, while it seems like the Inside the NBA crew will be sticking together for now, you never really know what’s next with Barkley. Something that might affect Ernie Johnson’s retirement plans too.