As a beloved and high-profile basketball analyst, Charles Barkley has made a career out of colorful quotes and always being a straight shooter. So, it should come as no surprise that the Basketball Hall of Famer applied the same principles when asked to confirm a story about his less-than-flattering on-set habits in his duties as co-host of the wildly popular NBA on TNT.
During a feature on Barkley aired by 60 Minutes, Barkley was asked by Jon Wertheim about the candid criticism he gives when watching subpar NBA games. Wertheim then asked Barkley about reports that the analyst sometimes grows so bored by what’s on his screen that he can’t help but doze off while on the job.
True to form, Barkley didn’t hesitate: The rumors are true.
Sixty nights a year, Charles Barkley is the go-to guy on the riveting, unscripted show "Inside the NBA." Barkley is known for his outspoken honesty.
— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) July 30, 2023
He admits to @jon_wertheim that he’s even fallen asleep on the set during games he calls “just bad basketball.” pic.twitter.com/TEcNunLFyN
“Oh, I fall asleep just sitting there watching,” Barkley said. “Like ‘Yo, man, this is just bad basketball.’”
While Barkley might sometimes get too bored to keep his eyes open, nothing is boring about his on-air persona (which, by all accounts, is exactly like his off-air personality). He and the rest of the NBA on TNT cast have made their shows during the season must-watch TV, and Barkley’s commitment to authenticity is a key reason why.
Now, perhaps the only thing missing is a Chuck Cam to catch the Round Mound of Rebound sneaking in naps while he’s on the clock. Perhaps Shaquille O’Neal can take the lead on that project next season.
