In late 2024, TNT and ESPN reached a historic licensing deal and, as part of it, Inside the NBA will air on the latter network starting this fall. Fans were elated to hear that announcement, though it was preceded by months of uncertainty. At that time, not even the hosts of the aforementioned show were sure that the long-running sports program would continue. Now, Charles Barkley is weighing in on how he thinks TNT managed that situation, and he didn’t mince words at all while expressing his disapproval.
The potential cancellation of Inside the NBA prompted the Round Mound of Rebound to speak his mind on more than a few occasions. When everything was resolved, the legendary Phoenix Sun joked that he had to go back to “kissing ass.” That mantra didn’t stop him from chewing out his longtime employers when he appeared on the Pardon My Take podcast (which is on YouTube). The basketball hall of famer recalled his non-wealthy co-workers expressing concerns over their job security, before talking about the powers that be:
