“He wants to come to the cookout but we’re not inviting him no more” - Charles Oakley on his disdain for Charles Barkley

Charles Barkley ’s uncompromising personality and tendency to speak his mind without filter were evident from his early days in the Association. This barefaced approach, however, hindered his ability to form a meaningful relationship with Charles Oakley . In fact, ‘the Round Mound of Rebound’ was one of the few individuals ‘Oak Tree’ couldn’t tolerate, even after retirement. This became apparent when the 1-time All-Star threw shades at Barkley in his memoir ‘The Last Enforcer.’

Oakley’s disdain for Barkley

While NBA players often set aside their professional rivalries after retirement, the animosity between Oakley and Barkley ran deep. The 19-year veteran’s dislike for Chuck was personal, so in his memoir, he didn’t just bluntly reveal his honest feelings about the 1993 MVP but also criticized him for his liability to maintain friendships.

"He's not close with Michael no more. I don't know who he's really on terms with now. So, I know he wants to come to the cookout and play 18 holes with us. But we're not inviting him no more. He's out," Oakley said . "You act up, you go stand in the corner with one leg in the air…. That's Charles, in the corner of the playground by himself."

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Barkley got taught a tough lesson by Oakley

True to his enforcer demeanor, one of the most memorable moments between Oakley and Barkley during their playing days was when the 6’9” power forward ‘ slapped the sh*t out of Sir Charles ’ at an NBA Players Association meeting.

Explaining his behavior, ‘Oak Tree’ revealed that he slapped the 11-time All-Star not only because Sir Charles made comments about the New York Knicks’ inability to win a championship but also because he kept running his mouth without solving any issues. So, Oakley found the ultimate way to silence him.

"He was just talking and being in the press like he does on TNT now. He said something about the Knicks, and I took it to heart. Even though we ain't win nothin', you ain't gonna talk about the team that I rep and I’m around. I'm not having it," Oakley said . "Barkley just kept talking, and I told him, next time I see him, on point, I'm coming right up to him, and I got something for him."

While Barkley was not afraid to get physical with defensive stalwarts like Rick Mahorn, Bill Laimbeer, and Shaquille O’Neal during his playing days, Oakley was one of the few who made him realize whose bad side he should avoid.

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