Gilbert Arenas Reacts to ESPN Showing Charles Barkley ‘Who’s Boss’ By Sidelining Fan-Favorite Show

Gilbert Arenas had a few words for Charles Barkley after the latter's criticism of ESPN.

Gilbert Arenas Reacts to ESPN Showing Charles Barkley ‘Who’s Boss’ By Sidelining Fan-Favorite Show

Gilbert Arenas on Charles Barkley (Image credits - Firstsportz)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Inside the NBA hosted by Ernie Johnson, joined on set by three analysts: Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, and Charles Barkley. It is a halftime and postgame studio show that has been airing since 1989. Often rated among the best sports shows on American television, the show has won 19 Sports Emmy Awards over its history.

Last season, it was thought that the show had come to an end after TNT decided not to pour billions into the NBA. TNT was the broadcaster of the show since its inception in 1989. But to everyone’s delight, they reached an agreement with ESPN to continue broadcasting the show through the latter’s network. However, it was later revealed that Inside the NBA will first start with a 30-minute run. That is down from the usual 50-minute stretch they used to enjoy on TNT.

Former NBA star Charles Barkley joined the show as an analyst in 2000. Barkley, along with O’Neal, is known for engaging in humorous banter, arguments, and silly bets, which have led to the duo being huge fan-favorites of the show.

Recently, Barkley was critical of ESPN over scheduling issues with Inside the NBA. The show has been on ESPN only four times in three months. Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas had a few words for Barkley on The Gilbert Arenas Show.

The way Charley Barkley has over and over again called them idiots, they are being idiots. Are the idiots for not putting you on? Yeah, but that’s on purpose. They are letting you know who’s boss.

Arenas went on to further add that Barkley is reliant on ESPN as he does not have his own podcast to voice his opinions, unlike Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe, and even another Inside the NBA panelist, Shaquille O’Neal.

Charles Barkley takes a playful jibe at ESPN

Barkley is well known for his outspoken personality, trolling, and making over-the-top comments, such as calling the NBA Cup embarrassing, and consistently trolling the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors for having an old squad.

NBA Insider Shams Charania made an appearance on the Inside the NBA show on ESPN. In the middle of a conversation, Charania’s connection abruptly cut out during the live segment. Barkley took the opportunity to pass a sarcastic comment spontaneously.

Tell you what, boy, ESPN pay your bills, man. Pay your bills, I know times are tough.

It seems like this isn’t the first or last time Barkley will take playful jibes at the network. The schedule is expected to increase as the season progresses. With the NFL season coming to an end and the NBA approaching the postseason, fans will expect to see much more of Barkley and his crew.

Gilbert Arenas claims Derrick Rose is bigger than Michael Jordan in Chicago

Following the Bulls’ dramatic win over the Boston Celtics on Saturday, Derrick Rose was honored by the Bulls with a jersey retirement ceremony. He is the fifth player in Bulls history to have his jersey retired, joining Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Jerry Sloan, and Bob Love.

Derrick Rose jersey retirement ceremony
Derrick Rose jersey retirement ceremony (Image credits – ComplexSports/X)

However, despite Jordan’s accomplishments with the Bulls, Rose is more beloved in Chicago. On his Gil’s Arena show, Arenas explained that Rose has a unique place in Chicago over Jordan.

Listen, I don’t live in Chicago. So I wouldn’t really know. But from Chicago Bulls fans, Derrick Rose is Chicago. He is the son of Chicago. When you’re talking about someone who grew up there, from there, they watched him be a superstar in middle school, high school, and in the NBA. He was here with us. So when people say he means more to Chicago than Jordan, I can understand that.

Arenas acknowledged Michael Jordan’s accomplishments but said context matters. Jordan won six NBA championships, six Finals MVPs, five regular-season MVPs, and a Defensive Player of the Year award with the Bulls.

Also Read: