The already strained relationship between former NBA teammates Charles Oakley and Charles Barkley appears to have gone to another level. Even though Barkley has made it no secret that he and Michael Jordan, his “best friend,” are no longer speaking, few knew that Oakley harbors a deep disdain for him.
Following the 11-time All-Star’s announcement of retiring from broadcasting after the upcoming NBA on TNT season, the 60-year-old made a critical remark, further fueling the tension between the two outspoken personalities.
Oakley Harshly Criticizes Charles Barkley’s TV Retirement
Things haven’t been smooth sailing between Charles Oakley and Charles Barkley for a long time. Even though they were teammates on the New York Knicks in the 90s, they haven’t been best friends off the court. Many fans are upset about Barkley’s retirement decision. Former Knicks forward Charles Oakley’s recent statement about the 1993 MVP underscores their underlying animosity.
It seems as if Oakley has been waiting for Barkley to make this move for quite some time. Recently, Oakley had an immediate response to Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson’s question concerning the authenticity of Barkley’s retirement: “Who gives a fu** about Charles Barkley?”
Oakley did not end there! He piled on, taking shots at the Phoenix Suns legend like a game of hot potato. He said, “He needs to go to the gym and worry about his health. His mouth is gonna get him in trouble. I mean, he’s a clown point blank. He looks for attention and the stuff that he says now he would NEVER say back in the day about no player. Someone’s gonna punch him in his fat mouth!”
Oakley’s comments aren’t just random jabs at the former 76ers star. Some of Barkley’s views on today’s players have irritated Oakley, and he has frequently been a vocal commenter. In 2022, the 61-year-old made some personal remarks about the New York Knicks, which deeply offended Oakley, who used to be a proud Knicks player.
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This remark got under his skin since Oakley would not abide any trash-talking about his squad. So, a conflict that began with Barkley’s comments and has persisted to this day stems from their character.
