CHARLES Barkley’s decision to remain a pundit on TNT has caused huge problems behind the scenes, a source has told The U.S. Sun.
The NBA legend announced at the end of last season that his 24 years behind the mic were ending, as the TV network lost the rights at the end of the new campaign.
Charles Barkley on air for TNT Sports during the 2023-24 NBA season[/caption]
Inside the NBA’s cast during last season’s NBA playoffs[/caption]
Inside the NBA, which has been on air since 1989, is set for one last hurrah with fans still loving Shaquille O’Neal, Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson letting rip every week.
Amazon secured an 11-year, $76 billion contract in July, meaning Shaq and Co’s run will finish in 2025.
Barkley performed a dramatic U-turn last month and announced a change of heart to remain with TNT.
They plan to use him for all manner of sports in their extensive live sports portfolio.
A well-placed source, however, has told The U.S. Sun the shock decision has not gone down well.
The insider revealed that everyone doubts the veracity of anything the legend of the 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets says.
“People are pissed at Charles because he said he would retire, but now he most likely won’t,” a member of the Inside the NBA crew told The U.S. Sun.
“That kind of behavior really throws doubts on everything he says.
“He says that he cares about the team and workers.
“And now he wants a huge deal and pretty much will go wherever as long as he gets his money.”
Barkley penned a 10-year deal with TNT in 2022.
CEO Luis Silberwasser hailed the 61-year-old as “one of the best and most beloved sportscasters in the history of television.”
“I know I speak for all the members of the TNT Sports family when I say we are incredibly thrilled to share this mutual commitment to continue showcasing Charles’ one-of-a-kind talents and entertain fans well into the future,” Silberwasser said in August.
But the source thinks the only person Barkley cares about is himself.
“This is mercenary behavior,” he snapped.
“People don’t like that he plays that public persona where he says that he cares about the crew and the workers and in reality he doesn’t.
Barkley claimed his “priority has been and always will be our people and keeping everyone together for as long as possible.”
