Is “Sir” Charles Barkley a Knighthood? TNT Host Sheds Light on How He Earned the Special Name

Charles Barkley played 16 seasons in the NBA and earned a few nicknames. There are a few which he liked and a few he hated. The one closest to his heart is his nickname as a grandfather. However, he stole that nickname from his close friend and co-host Ernie Johnson. The 61-year-old has also received some embarrassing nicknames from Shaquille O’Neal and other TNT panelists such as 300 Pounds of Greatness. But what about his most famous nickname?

His most famous nickname is Sir Charles, and it has stuck since his early days at the Philadelphia 76ers. And on the second to last episode of the season of the Steam Room Podcast, Chuck candidly revealed the reason behind his nickname. A fan called during Chuck’s answering machine segment and asked, “I know that your nickname is Sir Charles Barkley but I was wondering if you actually went through the process of being knighted?”

Ernie burst out laughing. Charles answered the question first thanking the fan for the call. Later he said, “No I have not been knighted not I don’t think that’s going to happen…”

Further revealing that the question had been asked before, prompting Johnson to ask when it started. Barkley said, “Somewhere in my early 76 or days uh mid 80s um I think that was actually my first uh NBA kind of nickname Sir Charles uh but uh it’s a nice compliment. But no but to answer your question no I’ve never been knighted but thank you for the call.”

The official NBA website highlights the actual reason behind the nickname.

From a chubby kid out of Auburn to Sir Charles Barkley

The Legends profile of Barkley highlights his entire career from his college days to the NBA. ” Undeterred, Barkley quickly buried that reputation when he began playing for the Philadelphia 76ers. It was not rare to see the neophyte Barkley grab a rebound amongst a crowd, rumble downcourt with the ball and finish with a monster slam. In a half-court offense, he could fill it up from the paint or the perimeter. And on the defensive end, he would play the passing lane for a steal or block a center’s shot. His awe-inspiring play demanded full respect and earned him a new nickname: Sir Charles.”

Though Charles Barkley was never given the title officially, he still was called King Charles by many. Just like LeBron James is called King James. Britain’s Queen/King bestowed the honor of knighthood to people for extraordinary achievements. During the Steam Room Podcast, Johnson laughed at the idea of Barkley going through the process. Before the question could be completed, Ernie Johnson burst out laughing imagining Barkley going through the process of knighthood. Seeing his co-host laughing Barkley asked, “What’s so funny?”

Johnson replied, “I’m just trying to picture this ceremony with you like on a bended knee and a crown, the sword.” Barkley added how it will be King Charles III now to make it official. But Johnson quickly shut it down by reiterating Barkley’s point “It’s just not going to happen.”

Even though the title is not official, Sir Charles sits right with the NBA legend.