The friendly feud between Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley is no less than a cat-and-mouse saga. Two NBA legends turned toward the media after their retirements and ended up as colleagues for more than a decade. Over the years, the duo engaged in various tussles and verbal volleys on national television. However, six months after heartbreaking news, Barkley graciously compensated for his misbehavior with another colleague, for whom Shaq took a stand in the past, with a grand announcement.

Apart from Shaq and Chuck’s antics on camera, the duo’s co-host Ernie Johnson also played a crucial role in the success of Inside Guys. Notably, Johnson has been in the business much earlier than these two NBA legends. Moreover, he created history on Thursday as Chuck broke a heartwarming surprise on live TV.

Charles Barkley breaks a grand surprise

As mentioned earlier, Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal once took a stand for Ernie Johnson on live TV. During a post-game interview with Chris Paul in 2021, Charles Barkley interrupted Johnson while he was interacting with Paul.

On the other hand, Shaq wasn’t taking it easy as he said, “Interrupt Ernie one more time… Interrupt the Godfather one more time.” However, two years after the incident, Chuck could compensate for his misbehavior by breaking a massive announcement to his colleague.

On Thursday, Phoenix Suns legend Barkley surprised Johnson about his induction into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. The 66-year-old TV personality went silent in shock as the crew cheered for him. He said, “I’ve been at this for 34 years at the same place. It’s been over 40 years in broadcasting and I’m stunned.”

Johnson began his broadcasting career in 1977 as a sports reporter and gradually found his place amongst two NBA legends. 

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Notably, Johnson’s achievement came six months after a tragic family news.

The NBA world mourned Johnson’s tragic news

In January 2023, Johnson’s mother, Lois Johnson’s tragic passing at the age of 94, left the Inside Guys in sorrow. Additionally, the crew took to the show to express their condolences to Johnson’s family. Shaq said, “She raised a great son. Ernie’s the finest gentleman I’ve ever met in my life, and I’m honored to be sitting here.” Six months after the upsetting news, Johnson received a perfect honor for his service to the sporting world.

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What do you make of Ernie Johnson’s journey as a sports presenter on TNT? Let us know your favorite Johnson moments in the comments!