Home

NBA

“They’re On Your Private Jet”: Charles Barkley, Who Doesn’t Speak to Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan, Laments “Bad Friends”

Published 11/24/2022, 1:50 PM EST

Follow Us

via Imago

Over the years, former MVP and Hall of Famer Charles Barkley has become one of the biggest names in the industry on the back of his illustrious career in media. Barkley’s meteoric rise on television can be attributed to his no-nonsense persona, resulting in him giving some of the boldest takes. Barkley’s crude honesty has earned him a fortune; however, it has also burnt the bridge between him and Michael Jordan.

Charles Barkley and 6x NBA champion Michael Jordan have had a storied relationship. Both started their Hall of Fame careers in the same year. Over time the two developed a relationship that blossomed into a friendship. However, after both retired and went their separate ways, an ugly public feud erupted between them, leaving their relationship in shambles even after decades. Barkley recently reflected on the woeful state of their relationship.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Charles Barkley has not spoken to Michael Jordan in 10 years

The sight of two good friends breaking apart is tragic, especially when these ‘friends’ are two of the biggest names in the history of the NBA. Sir Charles and His Airness, who were once close friends, have not spoken to each over a decade. Many believe that the friction arose when Barkley criticized Jordan’s ways as a team owner of the Charlotte Hornets. However, apart from throwing shade at Jordan, Barkley had some strong words for the social group of MJ.

Years Before Breaking Friendship, Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley Wagered $500 in a Petty Bet

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Barkley recently appeared on the ‘Let’s go Podcast’ hosted by 7x SB champion and All-pro quarterback Tom Brady. In one of the episode segments, Barkley touched on his unfortunate relationship with Jordan. He admitted that his crude honesty on television cost him Jordan’s friendship. The Hall of Famer regretted losing one of his best friends in Jordan. However, soon after, Barkley defended his words by criticizing Jordan’s social circle. He said, “But I was being honest about what I thought. I said, ‘Listen, the toughest thing about Michael, he’s got to put better people around him.’ Because the toughest thing, when you’re famous, they’re on your private jet, you’re buying all the drinks, you’re buying all the dinners. Very few people are gonna be honest with you.” After throwing shade at Jordan’s yes-men, Barkley revealed the woeful state of their relationship in which they haven’t spoken for over a decade. 

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Barkley and MJ’s relationship went downhill when Barkley made some harsh remarks about Jordan’s management of the Charlotte Hornets. These public remarks sparked an ugly feud between the two Hall of Famers. Moreover, the stubbornness of the two has worsened any reconciliation attempts.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watch the Story – Charles Barkley makes a powerful confession about Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan

Similarly, Sir Charles has also not spoken to an All-time legend for decades. Barkley’s relationship with Tiger Woods has suffered the same fate as that of Jordan’s. In 2009, the two stopped talking after Barkley harshly commented on Woods’ personal life.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

K Shrijith

399Articles

One take at a time

K Shrijith is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Currently pursuing his BBA degree, Shrijith has a keen interest in the world of finance. In fact, he has past experience in equity research and writing research reports on the subject of finance.
Show More>

Edited by:

Jayant Chhabra