In the dynamic and ever-changing world of the NBA, personal bonds are something that either last long or can get fractured by a single mistake. Players like Charles Barkley and Shaquille O?Neal were intense rivals on the court, but have built a strong link post-retirement.
While fans keep a close watch on these relationships, they also keep in touch with the bonds that NBA players share with their own family members. Touching upon the same, NBA Legend Charles Barkley recently opened up about a bond he has developed that is not related to basketball at all. In the same interview, the former player touches upon a long-lasting feud.
Barkley wants to spend “as much time as possible” with family
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Back in March, the former Philadelphia 76ers player sat down for an interview with 60 Minutes.
Conducted by sports Journalist Jon Wertheim, Barkley discussed various topics, including the challenges he faced with his height and weight, his opinion on the state of college basketball and how Kevin Durant does not take criticism easily. In the midst of discussing it all, Barkley started to talk about the things that became his main focus post-retirement, especially his new grandson, Henry.
?It is by far and away the greatest thing that?s ever happened to me in my life? said Barkley, who holds the opinion by being a grandfather definitely ?lives up to the hype?.
?I want to spend time with him because I?m not morbid, I?m not upset. I?m on the back nine? said Barkley when talking about Henry. ?I want to spend as much time with him as possible?.
Born to the former player?s only daughter, Sir Charles?s grandson has become a favorite with his friends as well. As part of a wager, Shaq once proposed that if he wins, he gets to babysit Henry ?for 30 minutes?.
Charles Barkley discusses his feud with Michael Jordan
Diverting from the great ‘win’ that Barkley recently got, the former player also touched upon his feud with Michael Jordan.
Back in 2006, Micheal Jordan acquired a minority stake in the Charlotte Hornets. Within four years, he would have enough confidence in the team to become its primary owner after investing 275 million in the same. While many people watched how the basketball player would go about handling a professional team, Barkley formed and made his criticisms clear to the player. This led to their friendship deteriorating during the early 2010s.
Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley were best friends until Barkley criticized Jordan’s management of his NBA team. The friendship ended, and they haven’t spoken in years.
“He’s got my number,” said Barkley, who refuses to be the first to apologize. https://t.co/P0c8FDM0qh pic.twitter.com/PEiijrVATm
— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) July 30, 2023
Addressing the issue that caused Jordan to get offended and break off all ties with the player, Barkley said that he had to say what he said. He feels that if he would go on to criticize other people for their wrongdoings but not criticize his best friend for the same, then he would have ?zero credibility?.
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When asked if Barkley would consider picking up the phone and working things out with His Airness, the former player decided he did not mind playing the long game.
?I got an ego too, Jon,? said Barkley.
Barkley concluded the topic by stating ?He got my number? when asked if the matter will be resolved eventually.
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As Chuck has mentioned multiple times before, he will look forward to enjoying the non-basketball part of his life with his family, and spending time with his grandson.