A debate between the NBA and NFL? Austin Rivers has once again turned the spotlight to himself. And not for a good reason this time. The former Minnesota Timberwolves guard offended a good number of people with his latest comments on the NFL. He suggested that at least 30 NBA players could play football, while NFL players wouldn’t last in basketball. Recently, Michael Jordan‘s eldest son Jeffery Jordan also took to social media to express his opinion of the same.

In an Instagram post that shared Rivers’ statement, Shannon Sharpe wrote a message showing his decision to choose silence over any comment. He wrote, “No further comments at this time.” In response to the NFL legend’s comment, Michael Jordan’s eldest wrote, “He speaking for himself UNC.” Whoops, that was quite a harsh dig Jordan took at the basketball player. However, they weren’t the only ones trashing Rivers.

Former NBA guard Earl Watson commented, “Until they get hit 😂.” Moreover, many NFL stars challenged Rivers to come to a field and take just one hit. After looking at all the comments, Rivers also commented, “Yes I’m completely biased 😂.”

Previously, in a conversation during his appearance at The Pat McAfee Show, Rivers claimed, “I could take 30 players right now in the NBA and throw them in the NFL. You could not take 30 NFL players and put them in the NBA.”

That was quite a bold statement indeed. And as expected, the sports community isn’t quiet on this one. The 11-year NBA veteran quickly got a reality check from Charles Barkley. 

Does Charles Barkley agree with Austin Rivers?

While most NFL players slammed Rivers’ take, even NBA veterans disagreed with Rivers. Many took to social media to express their thoughts on it. Some even went on to criticize him. Philadelphia 76ers legend Barkley also shared the opinion with Rivers that many NBA players can’t play football.

After the Game 2 between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers, Barkley took a moment to share his thoughts and said, “Oh, I’ve got to call out Austin Rivers. Austin Rivers, you know I love you. We can’t play football.” 

Former football defensive end J.J. Watt wasn’t exactly kind with his words either. Taking to his X handle, Watt wrote, “You don’t got a job in either right now, go head and try it…” Rivers never played in the NFL and he no longer has a job in NBA. The last time he played in the league was in the 2022-23 season for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He is currently an NBA analyst on ESPN.

Continuous comments by netizens and fans are weighing in on whether NBA players can play football. Not to mention, the veterans have also challenged Rivers’ comment that football is a tough game. James Jones said, “Football is not an easy game, dog. That’s why a lot of basketball players that stepped on the football field step right back on the basketball court because it’s not an easy game.”

What do you think about Rivers’ comment and Jordan’s response to it? Let us know in the comments section below.