Philadelphia 76ers legend Charles Barkley has been a part of the NBA behind-the-scenes world with TNT for over 23 years now. Having created a reputation for being very open with his opinions, Barkley has often used his platform to speak out against other networks for their coverage. One of them is the $50 billion worth sports network ESPN.

The former player once again brought up the network, not being aware of the alleged hypocrisy he was indulging in.

Charles Barkley states his ‘love’ for ESPN

A few days ago, Charles Barkley sat down for an interview on ?The Bill Simmons Podcast?. During the same, the interviewer highlighted how he and the former player haven?t talked since the NBA finals. Touching base on a player who was underestimated in the beginning by various networks, Barkley highlighted one of them.

The former player stated that he ?loves? ESPN and that he is ?never gonna bad mouth them?. However, he couldn?t go any further without stating a few negatives that the network reportedly possesses.

Top Stories

Did Lakers Sign Chris Paul to a Season-Long Deal? Fact-Checking Viral Claim

Why Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Not Playing Tonight vs Jazz? Latest Injury Update on Thunder Star and Expected Return

Is Jonathan Kuminga Injured? Warriors Star Remains on Bench vs Bulls

Sophie Cunningham’s Sharp Response Divides WNBA Fans Amid Caitlin Clark’s Project B Decision

Los Angeles Lakers vs Philadelphia 76ers Player Stats, Box Score and Game Recap (Dec 7) – 2025–26 NBA Season

?They turn a 2 hour basketball game into dunks, passes, things like that? said Barkley during the interview.

The former MVP understands the need to highlight the player who made the most dunks and the ?pivotal? moments of the game.

READ MORE: 2 Months After Being ?Clowned? by His Arch Nemesis, Charles Barkley Expresses His Dislike Toward the 71 YO Media Veteran

Barkley emphasizing his ?love? for Stephen A. Smith?s network comes as a big surprise, given the fact that the former player has never shied away from criticizing it in the past.

Charles Barkley?s blunt take on ESPN’s low pay and long hours

Charles Barkley made the claim that he ?loves? ESPN and that he is ?never gonna badmouth? them. If the former player truly holds that belief, then it is something that he has developed recently.

In light of the network firing 20 of its lead newscasters and on-air talents, an Instagram handle by the name of ?morning_blitz? highlighted a moment from the ?NBA on TNT? show. Along with the 76ers legend, the clip also featured his co-hots: Shaquille O?Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson.

During a game discussion, one of the co-hosts asked Barkley about taking his opinions to ESPN and working for them. This led the latter to disown the network in a ruthless roast.

?They?re not gonna work me like a dog and not pay me.?

This sent all three co-hosts into fits of laughter. While they tried to recover, Barkley continued his statement. He remarked, ?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!?. These words were enough to make the Los Angeles Lakers legend lean back on his chair and laugh wholeheartedly.

WATCH THIS STORY |??He Passed That Sunday?: Shaquille O?Neal?s 66YO Buddy Reminisces the ?Surreal? Moment When the World Lost NBA Legend, Kobe Bryant

With Barkley changing his tune, it seems like Stephen A. Smith and his employer must be more ecstatic than before. Fans will have to wait and see if they themselves will put out a statement in light of the NBA star?s remarks.