NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley are undoubtedly one of the best duos in sports television. Although they have not played with each other during their celebrated NBA careers, the two share wonderful chemistry both on and off-camera. Interestingly, there is a reason why they are so close. Barkley recently revealed that he and Shaq go way back and their enduring friendship was prompted by their mothers’ budding rapport.

As it turns out, Shaq’s mom, Lucille O’Neal, and Barkley’s late mother, Charcey Glenn, were great friends. Their friendship started after they forced their sons to have dinner together to resolve a violent on-court brawl. On the latest episode of The Steam Room podcast, Barkley revealed some interesting details about his friendship with Shaq and how The Big Fella’s mother was beside his mom during a tough time.

Charles Barkley divulges secrets about his relationship with Shaquille O’Neal

Who doesn’t love Shaq and Chuck? The duo is the highlight of ‘Inside the NBA’ where they constantly play pranks on each other. Recently, Barkley admitted, “Me and Shaq been friends behind the scenes a long time.”

The reason is their mothers. Lucille O’Neal and Charcey Glenn, who were very close friends, and their friendship spanned over 30 years. Interestingly, Barkley labeled them as ‘best friends’.

“What people don’t understand about me and Shaq, our moms were best friends”, said the 1993 NBA MVP. Additionally, Chuck informed the audience how Shaq’s mother was with her dear friend while she spent her last days.

He said, “There is another lady named Martha Corman who’s a saint also. They came and spent my mom’s last few days with her.” The former Philadelphia 76ers star’s voice seemed heavy with emotions as he detailed his mom’s friendship with Dr. Lucille O’Neal.

Charcey Glenn passed away in 2015, aged 73. She was very close to her son and Barkley spent his entire childhood with her in Alabama, where she eventually passed away.

The panel also discussed how Shaq and the Chuckster became the face of the NBA on TNT show. Apparently, producer Tim Kiely witnessed the effortless banter between Shaq and Barkley and San Antonio and immediately knew that a show featuring them would be box office.

READ MORE: “DeMar DeRozan’s Daughter Was Getting Death Threats”: Charles Barkley Fumes Over NBA Fans’ Foolishness

Shaq and Chuck’s mothers solved a fight between them

Back in 1999, the Los Angeles Lakers took on the Houston Rockets. Barkley was fouled during the game and all of a sudden, a huge fight broke out between him and Shaq. 

Shaq once revealed how he couldn’t wait to get his hands on Barkley during one of the episodes of The Big Podcast with Shaq. “Me and Shaq been been friends behind the scenes a long time,” said the four-time NBA champ.

As things heated up, the players received a call from their mothers. Like obedient sons, they listened to their mothers and even proceeded to have dinner together! On the podcast, Barkley revealed that he paid for the dinner like he always does.

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