“I’m Glad He’s Gone” – Why Was Charles Barkley’s Absence Celebrated on TNT’s Live Show?

During the NBA season, there are very few constants. The ‘Inside Guys’ are one of them. With a perfect quartet balancing analysis and humor, the NBA on TNT show “Inside NBA” is always a riot. As it turns out, even with a man down, the other three kept the ship sailing smoothly. But, this time humor stemmed from the absence of their missing comrade. With Charles Barkley suddenly out of the show, the other three weren’t going easy on him with the jokes.

Due to his “snorty Scottie Pippen” problem, the Philadelphia 76ers legend had to take a leave from the show. Chuck was housing a nasty cold, leading to some classic banter between him and Shaquille O’Neal. The guys were covering a couple of games on Tuesday as the New Orleans Pelicans hosted the Memphis Grizzlies and the Boston Celtics took on the Golden State Warriors.

As recent Hall of Fame inductee, Ernie Johnson, signaled at the show’s start, Chuck’s general vicinity was getting disinfected by the man next to him. Kenny “The Jet” Smith, however, was more than happy with Barkley’s absence.

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He said, “I’m glad he’s gone, I can have a Merry Christmas. I was scared I was gonna get sick for Christmas.” But, on the other side of the ball, Shaquille O’Neal was ready to bring out the jokes. “Charles is at the park with underdog.” For followers of the show, it was clear to witness that Barkley wasn’t in the best of spirits.

Shaq told Barkley to go home during half time

During the earlier broadcast as well, Barkley was in clear discomfort with the sickness. While he was able to provide his usual brand of sober but harsh critique of players, all wasn’t well. Despite Ja Morant and Zion Williamson facing the brunt of his ire, it was O’Neal’s comments on Chuck that stole the show.

With Chuck struggling during the coverage for the Memphis Grizzlies – New Orleans Pelicans thriller, Shaq would bring the house down, comparing the Chuckster to a variation of Pippen.

During the halftime review of the Pelicans performance, Big Diesel imitated Barkley’s “stuffed nose” voice to talk about the game. He later told Barkley, “I’m just sayin.’ Chuck, go get your a** home, man. … We can’t even understand you. Go home.” Sir Charles was able to pull through the show and saw the Grizzlies triumph while he also witnessed GSW beat the Celtics in over time.

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