Charles Barkley is renowned for his unfiltered honesty, often displaying a lack of concern when critiquing others. Of course, he isn’t the only athlete turned analyst to do so. While his co-host Shaquille O’Neal also made the transition seamlessly, not every player feels comfortable moving on to the analyst table. This is where Sir Charles stepped in. The 1993 NBA MVP helped an NHL legend gain a $3 million profit.

TNT plays a pivotal role in bolstering the popularity of any sport across the world. Recognizing the show’s influence on the viewers, Barkley encouraged “the great one” to become part of the organization.

How did Charles Barkley convince Wayne Gretzky to join TNT?

The love the 11-time NBA All-Star holds for the TNT team and organization is unquestionable. He has been with the network for over two decades since retiring in 2000. On the other hand, Wayne Gretzky, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and Hockey Hall of Famer was initially uncertain about the offer extended to him by the owner of TNT. Turner Network extended Gretzky a contract worth $3 million to boost his $250 million net worth.

In a Vanity Fair interview, the Great One disclosed that it was his wife, famed actress, Janet Jones? encouragement and Sir Charles? persuasion that ultimately brought him onto the show.?

From ‘A League of Their Own’ to ‘Police Academy 5’, Janet Jones (now Gretzky) has been a staple in Hollywood for decades. In fact, it was on the set of a show called ‘Dance Fever’ that Janet and Gretzky met. For nearly 40 years, the two have supported each other.

As such, she would have a more obvious impact on her husband’s decision than Sir Charles.

Sharing how Charles Barkley helped him make the decision, Gretzki said, “He talked about how great of an organization TNT was and how much they want to make basketball bigger and better, and they?re going to do the same for hockey.?

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“So, yeah, it was a pretty easy decision after I chatted with him,”?Gretzki added. However, there was one aspect that caused the 62-year-old to be reluctant in becoming a television personality.?

What caused Gretzky’s initial doubts??

Just as Sir Charles rightly observed, it’s true that TNT could greatly enhance Gretzky’s and the NHL’s popularity. But Wayne Gretzky didn?t want to be someone who critiqued others.

Before becoming a part of the program, the Canadian hockey legend expressed, “Look, I’m not one to stir up controversy. I won’t be the person who constantly criticizes players.” Nonetheless, his perspective shifted, thanks to the Philadelphia 76ers legend?s advice.

After resigning from his position as vice chairman of the Edmonton Oilers, Gretzky joined TNT as a studio analyst in 2021. Did you know about the advice that Barkley extended to Gretzky? Do tell us in the comments below.

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