Philadelphia 76ers legend Charles Barkley retired from the NBA over two decades ago. This, however, didn?t mean that he was bidding adieu to the world of professional basketball. Joining TNT as a co-host right away, Barkley has established a prominent broadcasting career that has placed him as an individual who expresses his opinions openly. That was the case again after a prominent network laid off many employees a few months ago. Years after claiming they made people ‘work like dogs’, Barkley has again hit back at Stephen A. Smith’s employer.

ESPN faced a lot of criticism for laying off many prominent names back in June. Now, Barkley has given his two cents on a couple of them.

Charles Barkley shares his thoughts on two former ESPN employees

Charles Barkley recently sat down for an interview on the ?SI Media with Jimmy Traina? podcast. During the same, the interviewer drew focus on that day back in June when ESPN let go of 20 on-air reporters as part of a massive ?cost cutting? layoff. Amongst the individuals fired were former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy and former New York Knicks player Mark Jackson. Barkley expressed his sadness over the firings since he was well acquainted with both individuals.

Even though the 11x NBA All-Star claimed that he ?loves? his crew over at TNT, he also said that he felt something different when watching the two millionaires on ESPN. ?I would text Van Gundy and Mark Jackson in my brain when I?m watching the ESPN games. Them guys would have me on the floor howling,? said Barkley during the interview.

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Expressing his ?surprise and shock? over what happened, the 76ers legend highlighted the alleged rumor that Van Gundy was let off because of his reportedly unfavorable remarks towards the NBA. ?Wait a minute. We can?t criticize officials now?? Barkley added. ?If they are right, we pat them on the back. If they?re wrong, we should be able to criticize them.?

Barkley exclaimed that if Van Gundy was fired because he was reportedly critical of officials, then it is a ?travesty and a disgrace?. When the interviewer expressed in the concluding part of the topic that Van Gundy is someone who loves the NBA, Barkley couldn?t help but let out a big ?YES?. This wasn’t the first time Barkley slammed ESPN, though.

Charles Barkley’s blunt take on ESPN

Some time ago, a clip of the Chuckster started doing the rounds of the internet. Whilst engaging in some post-game discussion, Barkley let out a comment about ESPN that none of his co-hosts were expecting: ?They?re not gonna work me like a dog and not pay me.?

As the rest of them continued to let out a laugh over Barkley?s remarks, he continued adding to his earlier statement. ?They?ll have me on ESPN One, Two, Three, ESPN News, ESPNU, ESPN Radio! They?re gonna have me on ESPN Deportes, saying muy bien, gracias!? Barkley added at the end. His words were enough to make Shaq almost fall out of his chair.

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From the looks of it, Barkley won?t be planning to join ESPN anytime soon. What are your thoughts on Barkley’s take? Let us know in the comments below.