"Charles Barkley confirms his retirement decision from Inside the NBA, a week after inking an ESPN deal"
Lively Take: Charles Barkley's Future in the Broadcasting World
The end of Charles Barkley's tenure on Inside the NBA on TNT is upon us, but fear not, as he's not vanishing from our screens just yet. Alright, so he's hopping over to ESPN next season, but brace yourselves, 'cause Barkley might not stick around much longer than two years.
Barkley let the cat out of the bag on The Dan Patrick Show, confessing he'd agreed to two more years of working, though he'd signed a seven-year deal. That's right, seven long, exciting years - but hold your horses, friends. Barkley's not planning on living up to that full term.
"If they start trying to work me too much between ESPN and TNT, I'm just going to walk on home," Barkley warned. But don't fret; his commitment to his fellow co-hosts - Kenny, Ernie, and Shaq - remains unwavering.
"I'm gonna be a good soldier for Kenny, Ernie, and Shaq," Barkley continued. "But the best I can do is two years."
Now, with the Indiana Pacers securing their spot in the NBA Finals, Inside the NBA on TNT has come to a close. Barkley shared some heartwarming insights about the last show, recalling an emotional scene with co-host, Ernie Johnson.
"I was fine until Ernie started getting emotional," Barkley reminisced. "Then I started tearing up."
Despite the move to ESPN, Barkley isn't shying away from a challenge. He's already taped a pilot episode for ESPN, but he's quick to admit that it was a doozy. Nonetheless, let's cherish every moment we have with Sir Charles while he's still along for the ride.
Mulling Over More Ball Talk
- With the Pacers taking down the Knicks and making their way to the NBA Finals, the end of TNT's Inside the NBA has been sealed.
- Barkley's emotional farewell
- Barkley's contract details
- Barkley's pilot episode mishap
Scoops from talkSPORT
- The ultimate rejuvenation of an abandoned stadium
- Wayne Lineker's wild night out with a high-profile soccer star
Legendary Leaver
So, grab your popcorn and settle in, folks, because Barkley's about to dazzle our screens for at least a couple more years, whether he agrees to a full seven or not. But hey, who knows? Perhaps he'll change his mind along the way. Fingers crossed!
- Despite the end of Inside the NBA on TNT, Sir Charles Barkley will continue to surprise and entertain us for at least the next couple of years, as he's agreed to a two-year deal with ESPN.
- Barkley has a seven-year deal with ESPN, but has clarified that his commitment only extends to two years—anything more will depend on his workload between ESPN and TNT.
- As Barkley prepares for his new ventures in the broadcasting world, he's already faced an initial challenge, taping a pilot episode for ESPN that left him admittedly shaken.
