The history between Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan is far too rich to fully uncover here. The two close friends, now bitter rivals, have seen all the ups and downs of the basketball world. From best friends competing in the NBA Finals to rivals with no relations. The deterioration of their relationship is well-known. Speaking of Finals, rumors about the two’s relationship during the ’93 Finals have run rampant forever.  While not on speaking terms now, due to Chuck’s criticism of MJ as an owner, at least the two can look back on the shared memories. Recently, Chuck squashed some of those crazy Finals rumors during an appearance on the Kelce brothers’ podcast.

With diamond earrings involved in the mix, perhaps it is best if we let Chuckster tell the story.

Charles Barkley clears air on Golfing rumors

The Chicago Bulls faced off against the Phoenix Suns in the 1993 NBA Finals. While the focus should have been on a Bulls three-peat and the Suns’ first ring, it was instead on the relationship between Barkley and MJ. The two, well-known for their close bond and golfing trips, were the main attraction.

And the two did not disappoint. While Paxton’s iconic game-winning 3-pointer and Grant’s clutch block live on, the two stars for the teams were in full form. MJ averaged a Finals record 41 points per game while Barkley finished with averages of 27 points and 13.5 rebounds. However, the Finals are infamous for a different kind of speculation.

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Many fans believed that Jordan had buttered Chuck up to get an edge in the series. When asked about the alleged earrings that Jordan had gifted them, the Chuckster responded, “At the time, Michael was one of my best friends. We put golf on hold.”

Addressing the rumors, Charles clarified, “I’ve heard other people say this…Well, Michael took Charles out to play golf on every off day and buttered him up. First of all, Me and Mike had already made a pact that we would stay away from each other during the Finals.”

Barkley vehemently denied the rumors, further stating, “This rumor that he took me golfing during the Finals and buttered me up is 100% not true.”

Chuck tells the true story about the earrings

While the rumors about the golfing trips turned out to be false, a part of it was indeed true. Michael Jordan did gift Chuckster some earrings, worth about $20,000. However, the earrings weren’t a ploy to butter up the big man.

As Chuck confirmed the story, “He did give me earrings one Christmas, that’s a true story but this rumor that he took me golfing during the Finals...Is 100% not true.”

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While the two are not on speaking terms, the bond that the icons once shared is truly mesmerizing. Enjoying a healthy dose of competition with camaraderie, basketball fans certainly hope that the two can eventually mend fences.

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