Charles Barkley almost cost Mark Jackson his career (Image via FirstSportz)
Before Charles Barkley became a broadcasting legend, he was a standout forward, dominating the NBA for nearly sixteen seasons. In that time, he amassed a little over $40 million, an amount which was seen as generational money during his time.
That money also enabled him to start his hobby as a gambler. Tales of Barkley’s gambling addiction are part of his legacy. There were times when he won substantial amounts, then there were also times when he nearly went bankrupt.
It was a way for him to continue his competitive drive away from the court. He would team up with other NBA stars, notably Michael Jordan, to gamble whenever they could get together in the offseason. But during the season, he and other NBA players were strictly forced to stay away from gambling.
Unlike today, the NBA back then did not allow anyone to gamble on their games. Charles Barkley fell into one such mess along with former Golden State Warriors head coach and then New York Knicks guard Mark Jackson. Jackson recalled the events that followed their game.
Media runs towards me, ‘Charles Barkley said y’all bet on the game.’ So, next day, the New York headlines in the papers, ‘Jackson and Barkley bet on games.’ I’m sitting there with Charles Barkley, an All-Star superstar, and it’s just me, worried about my future. The commissioner leaves out the room, Charles Barkley looks at me and goes, ‘I bet you he won’t throw us out the league.’
The now 60-year-old told his podcast co-host and son Bluu that then-commissioner David Stern reprimanded both Jackson and Barkley. The former was just in his second year and was fearing for his career. But his veteran opponent found humor in it and brought out another betting joke.
Charles Barkley reveals his perfect day
Now, at age 62, Charles Barkley has reduced his penchant for gambling. He does occasionally have a swing at it, but unlike his past, he does not go overboard with his wagers. Nowadays, the Hall of Famer prefers an easier lifestyle, as he revealed to the panel of Spittin’ Chiclets.
It was the perfect day. I played golf, I smoke cigars, and I got drunk. I got drunk last night watching basketball and hockey. You know what I’m going to do today? I’m doing the Spittin’ Chiclets. Then I’m going right back to bed. Then I’m going to get up, and I’m gonna get drunk and watch hockey and basketball again. It’s the perfect day.
The Inside on TNT analyst might be earning more than $20 million a year from his primary job. But he has made it clear that he will not work more than how much does nowadays. He prefers to enjoy life instead of fighting for it every moment.
Barkley has even threatened to quit his job if his workload increases by even a bit. He was on the verge of retiring, but TNT’s situation forced him to change direction. But with this revelation, he has made it clear this is the life he wants to live.
Charles Barkley and TNT will broadcast Conference Finals for the last time
Charles Barkley and his colleagues will be working with ESPN next season onwards to continue broadcasting Inside the NBA. It was part of the deal ESPN struck with Barkley’s employer, TNT, through Warner Bros Discovery to keep the show running.
Reggie Miller and Charles Barkley will cover the ECF for TNT (Image via Open Source/X)
That deal came about after WBD lost the media-rights bid to broadcast NBA games. That means, starting from next season, Inside the NBA will not have exclusive rights over any particular number of games. Rather, they will be working on the games ESPN gives them.
That also means that the upcoming Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks will be the exclusive broadcast that the team of Inside the NBA will produce. It will be ironic that Pacers legend Reggie Miller will be there to commentate on the game and New York native Kenny Smith will be analyzing it during the half time and post game shows.
It will also be entertaining, considering both Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal do not like the Knicks that much. The final shows of Inside the NBA could turn out to be an all-time classic, making it the best way to sign off on a tremendous run.
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