Chuck seemingly likes to hold grudges. And this became clear when the Suns legend didn’t forget to pick on something that happened 30 years ago. In the early 90s, Nike did something that really upset Sir Charles. It doesn’t matter he has some iconic commercials with the brand—one of the most famous being the ad where he says, “I am not a role model.” So what exactly made him upset? And is he still annoyed by it?

Apparently, yes. In the latest segment of Inside the NBA, host Ernie Johnson recalled Chuck’s 56-point playoff game on May 4, 1994, to Chris Mullin. Before that game, Chris Webber had made a behind-the-back dunk on Chuck, which caught Nike’s attention. The brand wanted to capitalize on the moment for a commercial and asked Sir Charles if he was willing to feature in it.

He said yes. Well, not in the way he had wanted to. The sports apparel company featured that exact dunk in the commercial, making Chuck the victim. Worse, they also showed Webber talking to his teammate, Latrell Sprewel about the iconic dunk! Chuck didn’t waste time and immediately called the company, warning them that they had only set up trouble for Webber. 

“I remember getting a call from nike they said hey chuck can we use you in a commercial with Chris Webber. I’m like, of course, you can. And then I was sitting home out of my own business one night and that damn commercial came on. I called Nike, I said, ‘y’all gonna get Chris Webber killed out here,’” Chuck said. You can rest assured—he didn’t. But Chuck did get his revenge after all, with his dominant 56-point game.

Speaking of the latest comment, Chuck must have joked about it. But this 1994 Nike commercial was also added as a closure for Chuck’s 1993 ad. In an effort to inspire young, avid basketball fans to follow their parents rather than athletes they haven’t even met, Charles Barkley and Nike decided to go with this unique concept.

“I am not paid to be a role model. I’m paid to wreak havoc on the basketball court. Parents should be role models. Just because I dunk a basketball doesn’t mean I should raise your kids,” Chuck can be heard saying in the clip.  And well, in response to the ad as well as Barkley’s 56 points display after his behind-the-back dunk, Webber declared, “He said, ‘I don’t believe in role models, but you mine.”

After all, both had a great mentor- mentee relationship.

Charles Barkley became the ‘role model’ for Chris Webber 

Despite Barkley’s infamous ad, he became a mentor and idol to Webber. After being drafted in 1993, the former Warriors player met the Philadelphia 76ers legend during the 1993-94 season. Webber needed motivation, and Chuck, who had just joined the Phoenix Suns, provided that guidance. While there was no compromise in their on-court rivalry, they shared a great relationship off the court.

Even in Webber’s Hall of Fame speech, he gave a special tribute to Barkley. “To my man Charles Barkley, I’m honored to have you welcome me to the Hall of Fame. You changed the way the game was played from a power-forward position. Personally, you’ve shown me the way in life, more than once,” Webber said.

He further added, “The first time was high school… I got a chance to meet you. I studied your game, I knew your truth, I knew you had an attitude. You complimented me and you encouraged me. The first time after seeing you, I thought, ‘hey, maybe I can do what my favorite player says I can’.” Both never showed mercy to each other on the court, but they never forgot to express love and appreciation when it was deserved.