The Inside Guys stick together no matter what. When Ernie Johnson was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame, he was pleasantly surprised that his TNT co-hosts ditched a regular day at work to be there for him. But the real surprise was when they broke the news of his career honor to him through Charles Barkley.

Recalling that on-air moment when Johnson and Barkley were covering a golf tournament, Johnson humorously said, “Charles says, ‘I got something to say.’ Like, I hear that all the time. Few times I tremble a little bit.” We empathize with Ernie. It can be a terrifying experience when Sir Charles opens his mouth.

This time he left The Godfather trembling in a good way though. “He came out with that news. It was a real stunner,” referring to Barkley saying Ernie was going to be a Hall-of-Famer in 2023.

Chuck and Ernie were covering The Match in June and the producers got Barkley in on the secret so he’d be the messenger. Back then, Chuck opened with what an “honor and privilege” it was to be the one. When Barkley said he was going to be in the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame, Johnson’s first response was, “Get out of here.” 

Once it sunk in, he said, “Chuckster, what are you talking about? That is awesome. Thank you so much… I am humbled beyond words.” He even joked he’s taking off early to celebrate.

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His friends at TNT and longtime viewers are in consensus this honor was long overdue. When it came to the big day, he was once again moved by their gesture.

Chuck&Co. make it for Ernie Johnson

On December 12, Ernie Johnson’s induction into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame took place in New York while NBA games were on. Ernie and most viewers thought that the remaining trio would conduct the Inside the NBA coverage in Atlanta as usual. Maybe Chuck would’ve stopped by as he was also in New York for his CNN show.

“But to have all three of those guys come out that was really cool,” Johnson said on The Steakhouse. Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny “The Jet” Smith indeed arrived on stage to present his award. They had the usual comedy, including pretending they broke the trophy, and had the sweetest words for him.

It’s back to business for our favorite quartet now. They’re in Studio J in Atlanta packing the same entertainment into a sportscasting show.

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