Many didn't believe that Charles Barkley was really serious when he announced that he would be retiring from TV after the end of the next NBA season.
Barkley had just signed a 10-year extension in 2022, which he called 'life-altering.' But during an interview with CNBC's Closing Bell last Thursday, retirement sounded very real after Chuck revealed the real reason why he's bidding broadcasting adieu.
"The main reason I was talking about next year being my last year, I wouldn't feel comfortable going to work for another network. It'll be 25 years that I've been working with Turner. And I love everybody at Turner. At this age to go over and start over, I don't know if I want to do that," said Barkley.
Inside the NBA may be coming to an end
Sir Charles is currently a co-host of Inside the NBA along with Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kenny Smith. The TNT-owned show is arguably the No.1 NBA program on TV, and they have won 19 Sports Emmy awards since its inception.
Chuck has been with the show for nearly a quarter of a century, having started working there in 2000. However, with the NBA's new TV deal coming up, Inside the NBA may be facing extinction or could be under new management.
"I really feel bad for everybody at TNT - all the people I've been working with for the last 24 years, they're like family to me," Barkley added. "I honestly, in my heart, I think we have lost the package. This is my honest opinion. But I really hope we get a last-minute reprieve for the people at Turner."
Related: Phil Jackson once shared why he wasn't happy when Michael Jordan scored 69 points on the Cavs: "It's not my favorite thing to do”
Time is ticking for Turner
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green doesn't believe Barkley is really serious about retiring from TV. Last month, Dray said Chuck was probably just emotional after hearing news of TNT losing its NBA business.
"I just think Chuck's being very emotional," said Green. "I don't think Chuck's about to retire. I think Chuck's just in a very emotional state right now, and he's processing those emotions. While he's processing those emotions, he may think about retiring. But you go a couple of days, maybe a couple of weeks, maybe even a couple of months because this decision doesn't have to be made today, tomorrow, or the next day. Then you probably come to your senses and be like, 'I'm not retiring."
Last Wednesday, the NBA finalized a historic $76 billion deal that would make NBC and Amazon Prime Video its new TV partners, with ABC/ESPN still owning the rights to air the NBA Finals. Meanwhile, Turner can match the offer within five days, but with days passing by fast, it's unlikely that will happen, and Barkley may really be on his farewell tour next season.
Related: "He needs to go to the gym and worry about his health" - Charles Oakley attacks Charles Barkley for announcing retirement from his TV career
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