Welcome everyone to SI Media with Jimmy Trayina. Thank you so much for listening. This is a milestone show I guess I've been trying to get for five years. Charles Barkley is on the program, and Chuck could not have been any better. Ninety minutes, a million topics. I'm not going to sit here and list everything and sell it. It's Charles Barkley for ninety minutes on everything. And then following Charles, we have Train of Thoughts with Salakata, so check that out. So I'm gonna go quick here so we can get to it. If you've missed any recent episodes going the archives, check them out. Peter Scheger from Good Morning Football last week, Chris madog Russo two weeks ago. Great episodes, great feedback, so give those a listen. Subscribe to SI Media with Jimmy Trayna, Rate and review on Apple. We'll read it on an upcoming episode. All right, here we go Charles Barkley, followed by Train of Thoughts all right here, right now on SI Media with Jimmy Trannor. All right joining me now, it's a biggie. I've tried for five years and I finally have probably the most influential person in sports media. Oh Charles Barkley doing man?

Welcome everyone to SI Media with Jimmy Trayina. Thank you so much for listening. This is a milestone show I guess I've been trying to get for five years. Charles Barkley is on the program, and Chuck could not have been any better. Ninety minutes, a million topics. I'm not going to sit here and list everything and sell it. It's Charles Barkley for ninety minutes on everything. And then following Charles, we have Train of Thoughts with Salakata, so check that out. So I'm gonna go quick here so we can get to it. If you've missed any recent episodes going the archives, check them out. Peter Scheger from Good Morning Football last week, Chris madog Russo two weeks ago. Great episodes, great feedback, so give those a listen. Subscribe to SI Media with Jimmy Trayna, Rate and review on Apple. We'll read it on an upcoming episode. All right, here we go Charles Barkley, followed by Train of Thoughts all right here, right now on SI Media with Jimmy Trannor. All right joining me now, it's a biggie. I've tried for five years and I finally have probably the most influential person in sports media. Oh Charles Barkley doing man?

Wait, First of all, yes, don't be talking to flunky's and all these other losers. Just the first time you send me a text, I answered right away, And I told you I was a big fan. So don't be going through these flunkys trying to get to me. Just send me a text and we're good.

Wait, First of all, yes, don't be talking to flunky's and all these other losers. Just the first time you send me a text, I answered right away, And I told you I was a big fan. So don't be going through these flunkys trying to get to me. Just send me a text and we're good.

I've been going through flunkys for five years. I didn't have your number. It's not easy to get Charles Barkley's number. And then when I got it, I was I was like, this is Charles Barkley. Am I actually gonna text Charles Barkley? You know it's funny. I you know, I get interviewed once in a blue moon by other podcasters or what have you. People into the fact that I work. It's what's illustrated. And I always get asked who are your dream podcast guests? Who are your dream podcast guests? And I always say The Rock, Larry David and Charles Barkley. So we got one down too to go.

I've been going through flunkys for five years. I didn't have your number. It's not easy to get Charles Barkley's number. And then when I got it, I was I was like, this is Charles Barkley. Am I actually gonna text Charles Barkley? You know it's funny. I you know, I get interviewed once in a blue moon by other podcasters or what have you. People into the fact that I work. It's what's illustrated. And I always get asked who are your dream podcast guests? Who are your dream podcast guests? And I always say The Rock, Larry David and Charles Barkley. So we got one down too to go.

Well, I will tell you this about The Rock. He's one of the nicest people I've ever met. Who's a superstar Yeah. I actually met him when he was in college, when he was playing football at Miami. That's how long I've known him. And I've been a big wrestling fan forever. And I'm so proud of his success because he's just such a good person.

Well, I will tell you this about The Rock. He's one of the nicest people I've ever met. Who's a superstar Yeah. I actually met him when he was in college, when he was playing football at Miami. That's how long I've known him. And I've been a big wrestling fan forever. And I'm so proud of his success because he's just such a good person.

You want to see good people succeed.

You want to see good people succeed.

Yes, absolutely, you know, he's been very I don't think he's ever gonna He's not a podcast guy. He doesn't do podcasts, so I'm not expecting him to eck a mom, but he's been very nice to me. Sort of with me stalking him on Twitter and stuff, He's handled it well. So he seems like a really great, great guy. So I want to get into so many things with you about inside the NBA and then just some current topics. It's funny let's start right off the bat with this. You know, it was reported that you signed a ten year deal recently with I always I still say Turner. I think it's Warner Brothers Discovery. Yeah, was it that long? Is it a ten year deal?

Yes, absolutely, you know, he's been very I don't think he's ever gonna He's not a podcast guy. He doesn't do podcasts, so I'm not expecting him to eck a mom, but he's been very nice to me. Sort of with me stalking him on Twitter and stuff, He's handled it well. So he seems like a really great, great guy. So I want to get into so many things with you about inside the NBA and then just some current topics. It's funny let's start right off the bat with this. You know, it was reported that you signed a ten year deal recently with I always I still say Turner. I think it's Warner Brothers Discovery. Yeah, was it that long? Is it a ten year deal?

Well? Yes, number one.

Well? Yes, number one.

Yes, But they wanted me to let people know I wasn't leaving like next week. There's no chance in hell I'm gonna be working when I'm seventy zero, but they said, hey, let's just make people think you're gonna hang around because you know, I'll be honest with you. That's the only thing that really kissed me up at night, to be honest with you, trying to figure out when's the best time to walk away because the one thing you don't want to do is stay too long. What's interesting is I can't believe I've been doing this shit twenty three years. That's what's crazy. I mean, that's a long time. So what really keeps me up at night to be flat out honest with you, and I don't know the right or the wrong answer. When's the best time to walk away? You want to walk away while the show is still successful, or you wanted to go like, hey man, we're really sick of seeing y'all face after all these years. So that's really the only thing that keeps me up late at night trying to figure out what's the best way to leave.

Yes, But they wanted me to let people know I wasn't leaving like next week. There's no chance in hell I'm gonna be working when I'm seventy zero, but they said, hey, let's just make people think you're gonna hang around because you know, I'll be honest with you. That's the only thing that really kissed me up at night, to be honest with you, trying to figure out when's the best time to walk away because the one thing you don't want to do is stay too long. What's interesting is I can't believe I've been doing this shit twenty three years. That's what's crazy. I mean, that's a long time. So what really keeps me up at night to be flat out honest with you, and I don't know the right or the wrong answer. When's the best time to walk away? You want to walk away while the show is still successful, or you wanted to go like, hey man, we're really sick of seeing y'all face after all these years. So that's really the only thing that keeps me up late at night trying to figure out what's the best way to leave.

You say, there's no way you're doing this at seventy Why not? I mean if the people, I mean, your show is so highly regarded. NBA fans love that show. You have a lot of cachet with the players the league. If it's still going now, Listen, who knows ten years from now. Obviously it's a long time. But if it's going strong, why walk away?

You say, there's no way you're doing this at seventy Why not? I mean if the people, I mean, your show is so highly regarded. NBA fans love that show. You have a lot of cachet with the players the league. If it's still going now, Listen, who knows ten years from now. Obviously it's a long time. But if it's going strong, why walk away?

Well, I think that number one, I'm very realistic about age. First of all, it's really awesome that I'm sixty. I never thought i'd see sixty. And for me, I know that, and I don't mean to be morbid. I'm not worried about death. I've had to go tomorrow. Man, I've had a good run. I think for me, I don't want to be working at the end of my life. I wanted, you know, man, I will tell you this. You know, two of my mentors are Ernie Johnson and Clark Kellogg, and they told me being a grandpa was going to be the greatest thing in the world.

Well, I think that number one, I'm very realistic about age. First of all, it's really awesome that I'm sixty. I never thought i'd see sixty. And for me, I know that, and I don't mean to be morbid. I'm not worried about death. I've had to go tomorrow. Man, I've had a good run. I think for me, I don't want to be working at the end of my life. I wanted, you know, man, I will tell you this. You know, two of my mentors are Ernie Johnson and Clark Kellogg, and they told me being a grandpa was going to be the greatest thing in the world.

Jimmy, And let me tell you something. They're right.

Jimmy, And let me tell you something. They're right.

I mean, I little Henry and the little girls SE's news. Henry's sixteen months and little Charlie is like five months. And it's the best thing ever happened to me by far in my life.

I mean, I little Henry and the little girls SE's news. Henry's sixteen months and little Charlie is like five months. And it's the best thing ever happened to me by far in my life.

And I'm starting.

And I'm starting.

Henry's starting to walk and run, and Charlie is just still obviously a newbie. But like I wanted when they're eight, nine, ten. I want to be around them. But like I say, I won't be around when they get older, right, I mean, and like I say, I'm not even worried about death. I'm not more of but I like, I want to spend time with them while I can, And that's my main motivation.

Henry's starting to walk and run, and Charlie is just still obviously a newbie. But like I wanted when they're eight, nine, ten. I want to be around them. But like I say, I won't be around when they get older, right, I mean, and like I say, I'm not even worried about death. I'm not more of but I like, I want to spend time with them while I can, And that's my main motivation.

You said, little Charlie's five years old, five months, five months, five months. Okay, so neither one of them yet have any reaction to Grandpa being on TV yet.

You said, little Charlie's five years old, five months, five months, five months. Okay, so neither one of them yet have any reaction to Grandpa being on TV yet.

Still, Hell no, I don't even think. Hey, listen, let me tell you something. Little Henry when I FaceTime and you know, he's so young, he's like, what the hell is that the dude come around? So I'm just trying to get him into FaceTime right now. Yeah, but it's the coolest thing ever.

Still, Hell no, I don't even think. Hey, listen, let me tell you something. Little Henry when I FaceTime and you know, he's so young, he's like, what the hell is that the dude come around? So I'm just trying to get him into FaceTime right now. Yeah, but it's the coolest thing ever.

Yeah. And you know, it's funny because you did say for years and years you would retire. You don't want to die on the air, you don't want to be old on the air. And then you know, we get the word of the ten year contract. Now. I had I had Kenny Smith, your partner on this podcast, a couple of years ago, and at that time your future was still up in the air. We didn't know what was going on. And I want to just play you the audio of what Kenny said about you here. This is about two years ago on this podcast. Shelby hit that clip for Charles please.

Yeah. And you know, it's funny because you did say for years and years you would retire. You don't want to die on the air, you don't want to be old on the air. And then you know, we get the word of the ten year contract. Now. I had I had Kenny Smith, your partner on this podcast, a couple of years ago, and at that time your future was still up in the air. We didn't know what was going on. And I want to just play you the audio of what Kenny said about you here. This is about two years ago on this podcast. Shelby hit that clip for Charles please.

I thought he was retire He only worked one day a week until, Like, what are.

I thought he was retire He only worked one day a week until, Like, what are.

We supposed to do? Like, you only worked one day a week until. Isn't that retirement? Like, isn't that retirement? You would be a consultant like one day a week for some big company.

We supposed to do? Like, you only worked one day a week until. Isn't that retirement? Like, isn't that retirement? You would be a consultant like one day a week for some big company.

They're like, you're not gonna be.

They're like, you're not gonna be.

There every day. He's not there every day. He's only there it toil me. He did like three weeks in a row. And then we go back to one day a week. It's like, you're retired, bro, You're not gonna retire. You're already retired. This the job is retirement.

There every day. He's not there every day. He's only there it toil me. He did like three weeks in a row. And then we go back to one day a week. It's like, you're retired, bro, You're not gonna retire. You're already retired. This the job is retirement.

What do you think about that?

What do you think about that?

Well, I think the difference between me and Kenny.

Well, I think the difference between me and Kenny.

Kenny's still having kids, Jimmy, he's got two young ones, so like he needs the money, so he gonna keep working to the day they strip him off television, you know, Like I say, I think you have to leave like John Madden. To me, it's like, hey leave while you still people still want to see you. You know, most of us, especially guys who play sports, you play till you suck.

Kenny's still having kids, Jimmy, he's got two young ones, so like he needs the money, so he gonna keep working to the day they strip him off television, you know, Like I say, I think you have to leave like John Madden. To me, it's like, hey leave while you still people still want to see you. You know, most of us, especially guys who play sports, you play till you suck.

You know, No, I can't.

You know, No, I can't.

I can't think of any guy who retired when he still had anything left in the tank. Probably Jim Brown to the last guy. So I kind of look at TV the same way. What's wrong with leaving while things are still going good? Why get to the point where you're like, yo, man, Charles Barkley is seventy two years old and he still got his fat ass on television.

I can't think of any guy who retired when he still had anything left in the tank. Probably Jim Brown to the last guy. So I kind of look at TV the same way. What's wrong with leaving while things are still going good? Why get to the point where you're like, yo, man, Charles Barkley is seventy two years old and he still got his fat ass on television.

Might won't to see that.

Might won't to see that.

So I gave them my word I would stay for at least two more years till the new deal is up. There's gonna be some the next two years, Jimmy, are gonna be very interesting with the Apple situation, with the Amazon situation, because I know Turner is nervous, I know Espan is nervous that Apple and Amazon are gonna come in and take some or all of the NBA packages.

So I gave them my word I would stay for at least two more years till the new deal is up. There's gonna be some the next two years, Jimmy, are gonna be very interesting with the Apple situation, with the Amazon situation, because I know Turner is nervous, I know Espan is nervous that Apple and Amazon are gonna come in and take some or all of the NBA packages.

Yep.

Yep.

So that actually, to be honest with you, that's really the next time I'm gonna have to make a major decision. So I ain't gonna eat. I don't have nothing to worry about for the next two years. But the whole sports landscape in the NBA is going to change in the next two years. When Apple and Amazon started bidding on the NBA properties.

So that actually, to be honest with you, that's really the next time I'm gonna have to make a major decision. So I ain't gonna eat. I don't have nothing to worry about for the next two years. But the whole sports landscape in the NBA is going to change in the next two years. When Apple and Amazon started bidding on the NBA properties.

Yeah, I was gonna ask you about how closely you're paying attention to that. And this is a total hypothetical about I'll throw it out there because I think it's I think people would really want to know this if if there was a scenario where Turner lost the NBA and I know Turner said that, I keep saying Turner, but we know what I mean. They want to keep it, and let's say it went to Amazon, and there's heavy talk that NBC is going to get back in the game, and let's say Warner doesn't have the NBA anymore. Would you go to another network or would you? Or would you because what I think could happen if if Warner lost it, I think you'd see a company try to get all four of you meeting Ernie, Shaq, Kenny and you would you go solo? Would you only go with them or would you not go at all? If you had to go somewhere else.

Yeah, I was gonna ask you about how closely you're paying attention to that. And this is a total hypothetical about I'll throw it out there because I think it's I think people would really want to know this if if there was a scenario where Turner lost the NBA and I know Turner said that, I keep saying Turner, but we know what I mean. They want to keep it, and let's say it went to Amazon, and there's heavy talk that NBC is going to get back in the game, and let's say Warner doesn't have the NBA anymore. Would you go to another network or would you? Or would you because what I think could happen if if Warner lost it, I think you'd see a company try to get all four of you meeting Ernie, Shaq, Kenny and you would you go solo? Would you only go with them or would you not go at all? If you had to go somewhere else.

That's a great question. That's a great question. I wouldn't go by myself.

That's a great question. That's a great question. I wouldn't go by myself.

You know, and I would find it hard to go without Ernie, to be honest with you. You know, obviously Met, Kenny and Shack are close, but Ernie is the guy. So I would have to look if they were going to bring those guys, but also if they had other guys in mind who to partner with. The good thing about it, I got a two year window that I don't have to worry about anything, right, But I like your question. It's a great question. I just don't know because I don't think because you know, Ernie, Ernie is the one guy we probably have to worry about more than anybody walking away. Like I said, I'm gonna stay at least two more years. But Ernie, I know, he's taught with the idea of leaving in the next couple of years. Also, so like I say, it's going to be a very interested next couple of years, because nobody knows. I mean, because Amazon and Apple got so much down money, they might just be it ESPN and Turner.

You know, and I would find it hard to go without Ernie, to be honest with you. You know, obviously Met, Kenny and Shack are close, but Ernie is the guy. So I would have to look if they were going to bring those guys, but also if they had other guys in mind who to partner with. The good thing about it, I got a two year window that I don't have to worry about anything, right, But I like your question. It's a great question. I just don't know because I don't think because you know, Ernie, Ernie is the one guy we probably have to worry about more than anybody walking away. Like I said, I'm gonna stay at least two more years. But Ernie, I know, he's taught with the idea of leaving in the next couple of years. Also, so like I say, it's going to be a very interested next couple of years, because nobody knows. I mean, because Amazon and Apple got so much down money, they might just be it ESPN and Turner.

So I don't know if it's this is my age, but I hate the thought of a sport going to streaming only, like I you know, I still want them to have some presence on Tell and I understand no one under thirty five watches television. It's tough these days. But you know, seeing at the NFL, you know they put their Sunday ticket on YouTube. Yeah, you know, I'd hate to see the NBA not be anywhere on broadcast. So hopefully ESPN Warner they can, you know, come through what the NBA needs and then settle that.

So I don't know if it's this is my age, but I hate the thought of a sport going to streaming only, like I you know, I still want them to have some presence on Tell and I understand no one under thirty five watches television. It's tough these days. But you know, seeing at the NFL, you know they put their Sunday ticket on YouTube. Yeah, you know, I'd hate to see the NBA not be anywhere on broadcast. So hopefully ESPN Warner they can, you know, come through what the NBA needs and then settle that.

Yeah, it's gonna be interesting.

Yeah, it's gonna be interesting.

But you know, man, these owners, they just care about that all mighty.

But you know, man, these owners, they just care about that all mighty.

Do you know? I wish people, you know, people get a player's a hard time.

Do you know? I wish people, you know, people get a player's a hard time.

I said, I actually think players really want to win. That's the sports part of me. I think players really want to win, and I think fans really really want to win.

I said, I actually think players really want to win. That's the sports part of me. I think players really want to win, and I think fans really really want to win.

Owners. I think it's more of a business to them. You know I do. I listen and listen. That's not the wrong with it being a business.

Owners. I think it's more of a business to them. You know I do. I listen and listen. That's not the wrong with it being a business.

But if you look at the sporting landscape, you know we've been billing these guys billion dollar stadiums on tax pair of dimes, screwing them for many many years.

But if you look at the sporting landscape, you know we've been billing these guys billion dollar stadiums on tax pair of dimes, screwing them for many many years.

I think there should be a ruling sports.

I think there should be a ruling sports.

If your team doesn't make the playoffs or you are not above five hundred, you can't raise ticket prices. I think they should make that a factor in every single sport. If you don't make the playoffs or your team is below five hundred, you should not be able to raise your ticket prices. I think that'll be a great way for us to show some love to the fans, because some of these teams sucks for year after year and they just keep raising ticket prices, and I don't think that's fair.

If your team doesn't make the playoffs or you are not above five hundred, you can't raise ticket prices. I think they should make that a factor in every single sport. If you don't make the playoffs or your team is below five hundred, you should not be able to raise your ticket prices. I think that'll be a great way for us to show some love to the fans, because some of these teams sucks for year after year and they just keep raising ticket prices, and I don't think that's fair.

You hit me close to home because I'm a diehard Yankees fan and they've lost.

You hit me close to home because I'm a diehard Yankees fan and they've lost.

You're hard, You're doing hard.

You're hard, You're doing hard.

This is the worst season in ages, and what kills me about it? I'm glad you said that about the owners, because what kills me about it is now listen, is a Yankee fan. I can't complain from the standpoint of my team spends a ton of money on payroll. But what kills me is and this sort of ties into everything, going to streaming for instances, the mom and dad, or the mom and mom or dad and dad, whoever it is, two kids, they want to go to a game, forty dollars to park, ten dollars for a hot dog, ten dollars for a bottle of water. At some point, I feel like this all has to burst. The damn has to burst at some point. What you're doing to the regular fan and you know the corporate family, the Knicks. Here's the perfect The Knicks have sucked forever until this year. Every day, every night MSG sold out because of the corporations, the companies. So you don't send the message. And what's the what's the impetus for James Dolan to fix the team? He's making all his money the Yankees right now. They don't care about making the World Series. They want they want to just make the money from people the only games and that's it, and it's it's a bummer.

This is the worst season in ages, and what kills me about it? I'm glad you said that about the owners, because what kills me about it is now listen, is a Yankee fan. I can't complain from the standpoint of my team spends a ton of money on payroll. But what kills me is and this sort of ties into everything, going to streaming for instances, the mom and dad, or the mom and mom or dad and dad, whoever it is, two kids, they want to go to a game, forty dollars to park, ten dollars for a hot dog, ten dollars for a bottle of water. At some point, I feel like this all has to burst. The damn has to burst at some point. What you're doing to the regular fan and you know the corporate family, the Knicks. Here's the perfect The Knicks have sucked forever until this year. Every day, every night MSG sold out because of the corporations, the companies. So you don't send the message. And what's the what's the impetus for James Dolan to fix the team? He's making all his money the Yankees right now. They don't care about making the World Series. They want they want to just make the money from people the only games and that's it, and it's it's a bummer.

It is a bummer. But that's why I think we should start penalizing team to suck. And there's the only way to do that is with ticket prices, because man, that's one sports people have are really aching to hold. People love freaking sports. I mean I love sports like I am so excited for football season right now, Like Saturday, college starts Saturday. I know that I'm gonna get football every week for the next six or seven months. I am so punkered football in boxing of my two favorite sports. I cannot wait for this weekend to get here. I mean because man, I love football. Is I love football and I cannot wait.

It is a bummer. But that's why I think we should start penalizing team to suck. And there's the only way to do that is with ticket prices, because man, that's one sports people have are really aching to hold. People love freaking sports. I mean I love sports like I am so excited for football season right now, Like Saturday, college starts Saturday. I know that I'm gonna get football every week for the next six or seven months. I am so punkered football in boxing of my two favorite sports. I cannot wait for this weekend to get here. I mean because man, I love football. Is I love football and I cannot wait.

Will you be betting the Notre Dame Navy game?

Will you be betting the Notre Dame Navy game?

Yeah, I probably will. I think it. Last time I saw it was twenty right around twenty.

Yeah, I probably will. I think it. Last time I saw it was twenty right around twenty.

Yes, there's no day I saw twenty and a half day.

Yes, there's no day I saw twenty and a half day.

Yeah I knew I saw. I was started because I started looking earlier in the week. So it's a scary game because you don't know anything about either team, right. You know, the Notre Dame has a new offensive coordinator, a new quarterback and everything. So it's gonna be in the Navy. You know, those Navy dudes are gonna be very disciplined, hard work the games in Ireland, so you have no idea about fan base or whatsoever. But so I'm gonna look closer to that game.

Yeah I knew I saw. I was started because I started looking earlier in the week. So it's a scary game because you don't know anything about either team, right. You know, the Notre Dame has a new offensive coordinator, a new quarterback and everything. So it's gonna be in the Navy. You know, those Navy dudes are gonna be very disciplined, hard work the games in Ireland, so you have no idea about fan base or whatsoever. But so I'm gonna look closer to that game.

But to be the team about three touchdowns in the regular season open air, that's a lot.

But to be the team about three touchdowns in the regular season open air, that's a lot.

Yeah, that's a lot.

Yeah, that's a lot.

And you got the over under forty nine and a half. If you want to dabble in that, yeah, I might listen.

And you got the over under forty nine and a half. If you want to dabble in that, yeah, I might listen.

I'm a still leaning at the under. I'm not gonna lie yuess because I'd have zero idea.

I'm a still leaning at the under. I'm not gonna lie yuess because I'd have zero idea.

I want to talk gambling a little bit later on, but let me just wrap up this whole thing out your future will last question, how serious was the live business? I mean, there were all these reports you would go there, there's a thing with Dan Patrick. It didn't work out in the end. I never thought you would leave Ernie and Shack and Kenny. I don't know. But the money was the money? How serious was that? How far did it get?

I want to talk gambling a little bit later on, but let me just wrap up this whole thing out your future will last question, how serious was the live business? I mean, there were all these reports you would go there, there's a thing with Dan Patrick. It didn't work out in the end. I never thought you would leave Ernie and Shack and Kenny. I don't know. But the money was the money? How serious was that? How far did it get?

Well?

Well?

I had to take it serious, you know.

I had to take it serious, you know.

I talked to so Mike, will Bond, Brian Gumble, Greg Gumble, Marraschad. These guys have all been mentors to me throughout my career. And Brian Gumble as just said the smartest thing out of all the guys. Because every guy told me to take the meeting. It's like, dude, you gotta take the meeting. You gotta take the meeting. You never know what might happen. But Brian Gumble said the most interesting thing. He said, suck, you need to take the meeting. You need to take lives seriously. I said, why do you say that? He says, because in three years they're gonna be together. And he said, if you turn down a lot of money, you're gonna look like a fool. He says, they're gonna Marge in three years. He called me like six months later. He said, I just want to apologize for being wrong. It only took a year. So yeah, So the guys told me, because you knew it sometime they were gonna merge, and I wish both guys the best. I had three Live guys call me and ask me my opinion. I said, yo, man, take that money. There's no good money. There's no bad money in sports. It's just green. But what was interesting, Jimmy, I had about ten well not renowned sportscasters call me saying, what are you gonna do? I said, I don't know what I'm gonna do. I'm meeting with Greg, I'm meeting with Live. I'm taking all this serious. They're like, we're all scared to join Live, but if you don't, it'll give.

I talked to so Mike, will Bond, Brian Gumble, Greg Gumble, Marraschad. These guys have all been mentors to me throughout my career. And Brian Gumble as just said the smartest thing out of all the guys. Because every guy told me to take the meeting. It's like, dude, you gotta take the meeting. You gotta take the meeting. You never know what might happen. But Brian Gumble said the most interesting thing. He said, suck, you need to take the meeting. You need to take lives seriously. I said, why do you say that? He says, because in three years they're gonna be together. And he said, if you turn down a lot of money, you're gonna look like a fool. He says, they're gonna Marge in three years. He called me like six months later. He said, I just want to apologize for being wrong. It only took a year. So yeah, So the guys told me, because you knew it sometime they were gonna merge, and I wish both guys the best. I had three Live guys call me and ask me my opinion. I said, yo, man, take that money. There's no good money. There's no bad money in sports. It's just green. But what was interesting, Jimmy, I had about ten well not renowned sportscasters call me saying, what are you gonna do? I said, I don't know what I'm gonna do. I'm meeting with Greg, I'm meeting with Live. I'm taking all this serious. They're like, we're all scared to join Live, but if you don't, it'll give.

Us a runway. I said, well, wait.

Us a runway. I said, well, wait.

A minute, you guys don't get that ride on my flag because I knew, you know, probably gonna take some heat because all my sponsors. Was on the phone with my agent like every day. Jimmy, for like, what Charle's gonna do? He says, charge is meeting would Live. He has not even made a decision blah blah blah blah blah. And when he makes a decision, I mean all my sponsors, because probably the biggest hold up with Live was I probably was going to lose all my sponsors. Right, So when I told him, I says, well, this is how much money I make from Turner. You're gonna have to make up all these endorsements that I'm going to lose.

A minute, you guys don't get that ride on my flag because I knew, you know, probably gonna take some heat because all my sponsors. Was on the phone with my agent like every day. Jimmy, for like, what Charle's gonna do? He says, charge is meeting would Live. He has not even made a decision blah blah blah blah blah. And when he makes a decision, I mean all my sponsors, because probably the biggest hold up with Live was I probably was going to lose all my sponsors. Right, So when I told him, I says, well, this is how much money I make from Turner. You're gonna have to make up all these endorsements that I'm going to lose.

And I'm probably.

And I'm probably.

Gonna want a minimum or a five year deal because like I said, I was it was always going to be a lose lose situation for me, right, So I took it very serious, and I'm glad to be back with Turner, but man, you have to take it serious.

Gonna want a minimum or a five year deal because like I said, I was it was always going to be a lose lose situation for me, right, So I took it very serious, and I'm glad to be back with Turner, but man, you have to take it serious.

The money they ever throwing around it was crazy.

The money they ever throwing around it was crazy.

Did they make you an actual offer that you turned down? Did it get that back?

Did they make you an actual offer that you turned down? Did it get that back?

It got far enough? They says, well how much will it take? And I said, it will take this much for me to give up my Turner aspect. And then before that what happened After that, Turner says, you're not leaving, We're going to redo your deal. So that's actually Turner came in and said we're going to redo your deal.

It got far enough? They says, well how much will it take? And I said, it will take this much for me to give up my Turner aspect. And then before that what happened After that, Turner says, you're not leaving, We're going to redo your deal. So that's actually Turner came in and said we're going to redo your deal.

Before I'm good, good.

Before I'm good, good.

So that's actually what really happened.

So that's actually what really happened.

Yeah, putting the money aside, would you have been happy calling golf?

Yeah, putting the money aside, would you have been happy calling golf?

Well, I don't think.

Well, I don't think.

Listen, you know, Jimmy, I was offered Monday Night football one year and I turned it down because I says, I don't know anything about football.

Listen, you know, Jimmy, I was offered Monday Night football one year and I turned it down because I says, I don't know anything about football.

I'm just a fan. I love got it.

I'm just a fan. I love got it.

I got interrupt because we can't let that slide. I want a lot of details on that, like who was doing the games? It was it Al Michaels back then? Was it recently? When it was?

I got interrupt because we can't let that slide. I want a lot of details on that, like who was doing the games? It was it Al Michaels back then? Was it recently? When it was?

No, it wasn't recently. It was probably at least twenty years ago.

No, it wasn't recently. It was probably at least twenty years ago.

Okay, okay, it.

Okay, okay, it.

Was at least twenty years ago.

Was at least twenty years ago.

Do you know who you would have been working with in the booth, Michaels, because.

Do you know who you would have been working with in the booth, Michaels, because.

You know, you know who I think they went with this How long ago? I think they went with Dennis Miller. That's how long ago it was.

You know, you know who I think they went with this How long ago? I think they went with Dennis Miller. That's how long ago it was.

Right, So I was Al and Dan diard Off. I believe with Dennis.

Right, So I was Al and Dan diard Off. I believe with Dennis.

I can't even remember how long ago.

I can't even remember how long ago.

It was so long ago, and I told him, I said, guys, I'm really flattered. I want to think y'all, but I'm a football fan. I don't know football. I don't know all because you know I got so you know, me and my friends were degenerates, Jimmy. So we get together every weekend in my house and watch sports and I got a movie theater in my house, and I can break it up into four quadrants and a couple of guys who are retired Hall of Famous blah blah blah. I don't want to throw anybody on the bus because what we do is gamble. And they're like, I'm like, how the hell did that quarterback throw that interception? They're like, shup, that wasn't his fault. I'm like, what do you mean he like through that the re receiver ran the wrong route. Blah blah blah. And I said, oh, they're like, dude, every time a quarterback throws intercepted, it's not his fault. So these guys have taught me. He said, oh man, they gonna score a touchdown on this play. I'm like, why do you say that? He says, they're in the wrong defensive coverage. This guy's gonna be wide open. And I was like, only somebody who actually played the game would know that. So I didn't want to get on TV. First of all, we got enough jackasses on television Jimmy who act like they knew about every sport, which drives me crazy. When I hear a guy say, well he's not a good quarterback. Well he's not a good pitcher, he's not a good basketball player, I says, well, first of all, everybody's in the pros is a good player. Are they all Lebron or kd or somebody like that? Know they're not, but all these guys can play. But I never want to get on television and say a professional athlete sucks at a sport. I'll never do that.

It was so long ago, and I told him, I said, guys, I'm really flattered. I want to think y'all, but I'm a football fan. I don't know football. I don't know all because you know I got so you know, me and my friends were degenerates, Jimmy. So we get together every weekend in my house and watch sports and I got a movie theater in my house, and I can break it up into four quadrants and a couple of guys who are retired Hall of Famous blah blah blah. I don't want to throw anybody on the bus because what we do is gamble. And they're like, I'm like, how the hell did that quarterback throw that interception? They're like, shup, that wasn't his fault. I'm like, what do you mean he like through that the re receiver ran the wrong route. Blah blah blah. And I said, oh, they're like, dude, every time a quarterback throws intercepted, it's not his fault. So these guys have taught me. He said, oh man, they gonna score a touchdown on this play. I'm like, why do you say that? He says, they're in the wrong defensive coverage. This guy's gonna be wide open. And I was like, only somebody who actually played the game would know that. So I didn't want to get on TV. First of all, we got enough jackasses on television Jimmy who act like they knew about every sport, which drives me crazy. When I hear a guy say, well he's not a good quarterback. Well he's not a good pitcher, he's not a good basketball player, I says, well, first of all, everybody's in the pros is a good player. Are they all Lebron or kd or somebody like that? Know they're not, but all these guys can play. But I never want to get on television and say a professional athlete sucks at a sport. I'll never do that.

If if one of these networks today, CBSNBC, Amazon, ESPN, they came to you, said, chuck one night, just for ships and giggles, just for some fun, get permission from Turner. We want you in the booth to call one NFL game. Would you do it that way? Would you? Would you have phone with it?

If if one of these networks today, CBSNBC, Amazon, ESPN, they came to you, said, chuck one night, just for ships and giggles, just for some fun, get permission from Turner. We want you in the booth to call one NFL game. Would you do it that way? Would you? Would you have phone with it?

Now you know there's we used to some idiots, said Turner in ESPN. They pissed me off so bad a few years ago because I always wanted to do a game with dig vatall.

Now you know there's we used to some idiots, said Turner in ESPN. They pissed me off so bad a few years ago because I always wanted to do a game with dig vatall.

Right, okay, especial especially when.

Right, okay, especial especially when.

We started doing March Madness. I said, guys, because behind the scenes. They're like little bickering women sometimes like why do you have to go on to ESPN? And I said, those guys are friends of mine. They're like, well, why are you going there so much? I said, First of all, Mike Willbon is one of my best friends in the world, and PTI is my favorite show on ESPN. I said, anytime Mike Wibbon won't be on the show, I be on it. Why do you have to go on Sports Center? I said, guys, we're not in competition. We're all trying to make basketball popular. So they got their guys come on sometimes our guys come on. Sometimes it's not a competition. So I tried to talk them into say, hey, let me and dig Vitail do a game and then let him come ones on TNT and do a game. It'll be great. It'll be fun. First of all, Dick's a legend yep, and it'd be fun to do. But that powers it be like, Noah, we don't think that's a good idea. I said, you know, you're right, it's not a good idea. It's a great idea. Once you guys check your down egos at the door. We're not in competition. We're not on the same nights or anything.

We started doing March Madness. I said, guys, because behind the scenes. They're like little bickering women sometimes like why do you have to go on to ESPN? And I said, those guys are friends of mine. They're like, well, why are you going there so much? I said, First of all, Mike Willbon is one of my best friends in the world, and PTI is my favorite show on ESPN. I said, anytime Mike Wibbon won't be on the show, I be on it. Why do you have to go on Sports Center? I said, guys, we're not in competition. We're all trying to make basketball popular. So they got their guys come on sometimes our guys come on. Sometimes it's not a competition. So I tried to talk them into say, hey, let me and dig Vitail do a game and then let him come ones on TNT and do a game. It'll be great. It'll be fun. First of all, Dick's a legend yep, and it'd be fun to do. But that powers it be like, Noah, we don't think that's a good idea. I said, you know, you're right, it's not a good idea. It's a great idea. Once you guys check your down egos at the door. We're not in competition. We're not on the same nights or anything.

It shows it's so short sighted. It's first of all, no one from Turners who complain about you ever being on ESPN. It makes you and and Turner. It elevates you that ESPN wants you on there. It's good for that. Also, I can tell you this about Tick Vitale. It's funny. I there are a couple of years in a row recently where when the tournament started, I wrote a column saying ESPN and CBS need to work something than out where Dick can go to CBS and call a March Madness game because he's never done it in his career. And I wrote it two or three years in a row, and fans loved the idea, and I spent Dick called me one day and we spoke about it, and he said that CBS did offer it to him one year or maybe more than one year, but he declined and he said no out of respect to ESPN. Now, I want to be very careful here because I don't ever want to sit here and say Dick vital is a liar, and I don't want that. But I don't fully believe that story. I think maybe, ESPN said, Dick, we don't Why would Dick not want to do it? I mean, the guy, like you said, is a legend, He's synonymous with college basketball. He's never called a tournament game in his life, which is ridiculous. Let the guy and if he said no, out of respect to ESPN, esp said to Dick, Dick, you're going to do this?

It shows it's so short sighted. It's first of all, no one from Turners who complain about you ever being on ESPN. It makes you and and Turner. It elevates you that ESPN wants you on there. It's good for that. Also, I can tell you this about Tick Vitale. It's funny. I there are a couple of years in a row recently where when the tournament started, I wrote a column saying ESPN and CBS need to work something than out where Dick can go to CBS and call a March Madness game because he's never done it in his career. And I wrote it two or three years in a row, and fans loved the idea, and I spent Dick called me one day and we spoke about it, and he said that CBS did offer it to him one year or maybe more than one year, but he declined and he said no out of respect to ESPN. Now, I want to be very careful here because I don't ever want to sit here and say Dick vital is a liar, and I don't want that. But I don't fully believe that story. I think maybe, ESPN said, Dick, we don't Why would Dick not want to do it? I mean, the guy, like you said, is a legend, He's synonymous with college basketball. He's never called a tournament game in his life, which is ridiculous. Let the guy and if he said no, out of respect to ESPN, esp said to Dick, Dick, you're going to do this?

Yeah, yeah, it's it's just ridiculous. I don't know the ends out like you said, but did Dick Hotels never called an NCUBA game is a travesty on a disgrace, to be honest with you, to both networks, yes, to reach out to dig Bytail personally, and the guys at ESPN says, hey, the guy is in front al. There's no guy love college basketball more than dig By Tail in the history, in the history of the world, nobody has been a more positive influence on college basketball than dig By Tail.

Yeah, yeah, it's it's just ridiculous. I don't know the ends out like you said, but did Dick Hotels never called an NCUBA game is a travesty on a disgrace, to be honest with you, to both networks, yes, to reach out to dig Bytail personally, and the guys at ESPN says, hey, the guy is in front al. There's no guy love college basketball more than dig By Tail in the history, in the history of the world, nobody has been a more positive influence on college basketball than dig By Tail.

So the notion that.

So the notion that.

ESPN or Turner or CBS head honchos are so stuck up with their ego they wouldn't want dig By Tail doing the game, that's just stupid.

ESPN or Turner or CBS head honchos are so stuck up with their ego they wouldn't want dig By Tail doing the game, that's just stupid.

Yeah, But the takeaway here is if you're Amazon or ESPN or CBS or NBC or whoever Fox get Charles in the NFL booth for one game, He'll do It's I love it.

Yeah, But the takeaway here is if you're Amazon or ESPN or CBS or NBC or whoever Fox get Charles in the NFL booth for one game, He'll do It's I love it.

I love it.

I love it.

Man.

Man.

You mentioned we're talking broadcasting here. I'm curious did you have any did you have a reaction when you saw that ESPN let Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson go, especially Van Gundhy, who was well thought of as the best analyst in the sport. You know, they had layoffs, they claim budget I don't know if you let the best analysts in a sport goal, even if it's budgetary reasons. But what was your reaction to that bit? Because that was huge news in the NBA world.

You mentioned we're talking broadcasting here. I'm curious did you have any did you have a reaction when you saw that ESPN let Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson go, especially Van Gundhy, who was well thought of as the best analyst in the sport. You know, they had layoffs, they claim budget I don't know if you let the best analysts in a sport goal, even if it's budgetary reasons. But what was your reaction to that bit? Because that was huge news in the NBA world.

Yeah, you know, I was sad because both guys I consider friends. Both guys are I consider friends. And I thought, first of all, I love the guys we had working at Turner. We got fantastic crews. But I would text Van Gundy and Mark Jackson to Mike Breen when I'm watching the ESPN game. Them guys had me on the floor howling, and I was really surprised, really surprised. Uh, And I'm just surprised and shocked. And then it let Mark go later? Right, But Jiff and you know, and Jimmy, you hear all these rumors about the NBA was mad because Van Gundhi criticized officials all the time.

Yeah, you know, I was sad because both guys I consider friends. Both guys are I consider friends. And I thought, first of all, I love the guys we had working at Turner. We got fantastic crews. But I would text Van Gundy and Mark Jackson to Mike Breen when I'm watching the ESPN game. Them guys had me on the floor howling, and I was really surprised, really surprised. Uh, And I'm just surprised and shocked. And then it let Mark go later? Right, But Jiff and you know, and Jimmy, you hear all these rumors about the NBA was mad because Van Gundhi criticized officials all the time.

I'm like, wait a minute, we.

I'm like, wait a minute, we.

Can't criticize officials now. If they're right, we pat them on the back. They're wrong, we should be able to criticize them. I mean, we criticize coaches. So I don't know what all the ends are out. Is if they fired that man, laid off, fired off, they're the same thing. If they fired that man because he was critical of officiating, that's a travesing and a disgrace. But let me tell you, I thought they did a fabulous, fantastic job Mark, Mike Breen and Jail They were awesome.

Can't criticize officials now. If they're right, we pat them on the back. They're wrong, we should be able to criticize them. I mean, we criticize coaches. So I don't know what all the ends are out. Is if they fired that man, laid off, fired off, they're the same thing. If they fired that man because he was critical of officiating, that's a travesing and a disgrace. But let me tell you, I thought they did a fabulous, fantastic job Mark, Mike Breen and Jail They were awesome.

Yeah yeah, I've said this before in the pod. What makes no sense is like Jeff Van Gundy loves the NBA. He's an NBA lifer, Like he's an ambassador for the game.

Yeah yeah, I've said this before in the pod. What makes no sense is like Jeff Van Gundy loves the NBA. He's an NBA lifer, Like he's an ambassador for the game.

Yes, And let me tell you something, I won't be shocked. I won't be surprised if he finds his way to Turner. I won't be shocked at all. This you can never have enough and shout out uh uh coach Van Gandhi stand, I know his wife passed away this week, and I sent him a text. To others, I sent him a text, man, so my thoughts of prayers with him and his family. His wife passed away this week, and you know, I got the text from the Turner family and I sent him a text. Just tell the man, because that's you know, that's nothing you can say in that situation. I said, Hey, there's nothing I can say.

Yes, And let me tell you something, I won't be shocked. I won't be surprised if he finds his way to Turner. I won't be shocked at all. This you can never have enough and shout out uh uh coach Van Gandhi stand, I know his wife passed away this week, and I sent him a text. To others, I sent him a text, man, so my thoughts of prayers with him and his family. His wife passed away this week, and you know, I got the text from the Turner family and I sent him a text. Just tell the man, because that's you know, that's nothing you can say in that situation. I said, Hey, there's nothing I can say.

I just want to tell you I'm thinking about you and your family and thoughts and prayers. But let me tell you something. If we hired Jeff Van Gundy, I'd be It'd be a home run.

I just want to tell you I'm thinking about you and your family and thoughts and prayers. But let me tell you something. If we hired Jeff Van Gundy, I'd be It'd be a home run.

Yeah, absolutely makes sense. Pair him up with his brother, with Kevin Harlan, it can be phenomenal.

Yeah, absolutely makes sense. Pair him up with his brother, with Kevin Harlan, it can be phenomenal.

Oh god, would that be awesome? Or what?

Oh god, would that be awesome? Or what?

How great is Harlan?

How great is Harlan?

He's the best, you know him? Him and Brian Anderson. Yeah, they're unbelievable. Brian I and also but what's amazing though, Ah, when these guys do these other sports and it's so seamless. Like I listened to our baseball broadcast with Brian and then I watched Kevin's doing football. I was like, man to be that talented, to go seamlessly from sport to sport, you have to really be talented to do that. And uh, those guys are fun to work with. But you're right, Cavin and ba and ian Man, they great guys to work with.

He's the best, you know him? Him and Brian Anderson. Yeah, they're unbelievable. Brian I and also but what's amazing though, Ah, when these guys do these other sports and it's so seamless. Like I listened to our baseball broadcast with Brian and then I watched Kevin's doing football. I was like, man to be that talented, to go seamlessly from sport to sport, you have to really be talented to do that. And uh, those guys are fun to work with. But you're right, Cavin and ba and ian Man, they great guys to work with.

Yeah, I've always wanted to ask you this, and we've we sort of circled it here because you've called a lot of You've said there are a lot of idiots in sports media, a lot of people you hate, and I feel the same way. And this is where you and I different. I'm curious to get your insight. I'm of the I mean, listen, I would say I probably maybe only have three to five people in sports media who I truly hate in the test, and my philosophy is someone who writes a column every day for Sports Illustrated, there's a podcast every week, is I don't ever write about those people. I don't give them one ounce of ink. I don't give them any attention because that's what they want, and I sort of just pretend they don't exist. You, on the other hand, have said you want to kill these people, you want to fight these people, And to me, that gives that's what they want, and that gives them some shine that they don't deserve. So I'm curious about your philosophy on actually naming the awful people.

Yeah, I've always wanted to ask you this, and we've we sort of circled it here because you've called a lot of You've said there are a lot of idiots in sports media, a lot of people you hate, and I feel the same way. And this is where you and I different. I'm curious to get your insight. I'm of the I mean, listen, I would say I probably maybe only have three to five people in sports media who I truly hate in the test, and my philosophy is someone who writes a column every day for Sports Illustrated, there's a podcast every week, is I don't ever write about those people. I don't give them one ounce of ink. I don't give them any attention because that's what they want, and I sort of just pretend they don't exist. You, on the other hand, have said you want to kill these people, you want to fight these people, And to me, that gives that's what they want, and that gives them some shine that they don't deserve. So I'm curious about your philosophy on actually naming the awful people.

Well, I like to take a shout at them every now and then because I know it gets under their skin because I get calls from friends of the else who they work with, like, Yo man, you got this dude circling over here. And I don't do it often, but I like to do it every now and then. You know, Jimmy, my philosophy is I'm in the media the guys I don't like, and that's only a couple. Let's be realistic. Yeah, your job. You can't be personal. That's what I hate. You can never be personal when it comes to your criticisms. In my twenty three years, even guys who have come at me, that's not one of them who I've talked to privately, says Yo man.

Well, I like to take a shout at them every now and then because I know it gets under their skin because I get calls from friends of the else who they work with, like, Yo man, you got this dude circling over here. And I don't do it often, but I like to do it every now and then. You know, Jimmy, my philosophy is I'm in the media the guys I don't like, and that's only a couple. Let's be realistic. Yeah, your job. You can't be personal. That's what I hate. You can never be personal when it comes to your criticisms. In my twenty three years, even guys who have come at me, that's not one of them who I've talked to privately, says Yo man.

And you think what I said.

And you think what I said.

Was personal, I said, dude, I ain't never sit in twenty three years. You can never go back at anybody. And what I said, you know that's a personal attack. I never talk about their personal life. I said, if I criticize a guy, it's going to be one hundred percent basketball or something like the job morunt situation. I can't that ain't that's got a lot to do. There's nothing to do with basketball. Him out here acting like a damn food. But the guys I don't like. You can tell when guys have a personal vendetta against a guy, and Jimmy, to me, that's not cool because television, radio, anything in the media is so powerful.

Was personal, I said, dude, I ain't never sit in twenty three years. You can never go back at anybody. And what I said, you know that's a personal attack. I never talk about their personal life. I said, if I criticize a guy, it's going to be one hundred percent basketball or something like the job morunt situation. I can't that ain't that's got a lot to do. There's nothing to do with basketball. Him out here acting like a damn food. But the guys I don't like. You can tell when guys have a personal vendetta against a guy, and Jimmy, to me, that's not cool because television, radio, anything in the media is so powerful.

When we say stuff, people believe it, whether it's good or bad.

When we say stuff, people believe it, whether it's good or bad.

And I tell people somebody in Montana, South Dakota to Maine, like, but Charles Barker said this guy's an asshole. I'm like, they're gonna say, well, he got to be an asshole. I said, no, no, no, no no. I might say some things about a guy, but you can't say that. You can say, hey, I disagreed the way he played basketball. I disagreed with some of the stuff he's doing off the court. But it can never be personal because people believe what we say. And the guys I go at and like I said, I like digging them every now and then. Hey, I don't wish any ill Like people know, I don't like Skip Bayless and I really don't like Skip Bayless because his attacks on certain guys they're personal, they're they're personal. And I don't think when you have a television show or radio show you can attack guys personally just because you don't like them. That's not cool, that's not right, and that don't mean you can't criticize guys. Dude, I lost my best friend because I criticized him, and but I'm still like guys can always say Charles, you might not like him, but he's gonna be fair. Because the situation with Michael always said, wait a minute, I criticize other general managers just because the guy's my best friend. If I have a double standard, that's not fair.

And I tell people somebody in Montana, South Dakota to Maine, like, but Charles Barker said this guy's an asshole. I'm like, they're gonna say, well, he got to be an asshole. I said, no, no, no, no no. I might say some things about a guy, but you can't say that. You can say, hey, I disagreed the way he played basketball. I disagreed with some of the stuff he's doing off the court. But it can never be personal because people believe what we say. And the guys I go at and like I said, I like digging them every now and then. Hey, I don't wish any ill Like people know, I don't like Skip Bayless and I really don't like Skip Bayless because his attacks on certain guys they're personal, they're they're personal. And I don't think when you have a television show or radio show you can attack guys personally just because you don't like them. That's not cool, that's not right, and that don't mean you can't criticize guys. Dude, I lost my best friend because I criticized him, and but I'm still like guys can always say Charles, you might not like him, but he's gonna be fair. Because the situation with Michael always said, wait a minute, I criticize other general managers just because the guy's my best friend. If I have a double standard, that's not fair.

I was gonna ask if you're tired of talking about the fallout with Jordan, because I feel like you, yes, one.

I was gonna ask if you're tired of talking about the fallout with Jordan, because I feel like you, yes, one.

D percent, because you know what, you know what, Jimmy, because they act like we Prince William and Prince Harry like that's Michael got mad about something I said, we have us spoken, and then two times a year I have to defend. I was like, yo, man, Michael's doing great, Charles doing great. I wish him nothing but the best. But like, dude, we're not like Prince Harry and Prince William. We're not taking shots and by back door channels all the time. Michael's doing great, and I'm doing great.

D percent, because you know what, you know what, Jimmy, because they act like we Prince William and Prince Harry like that's Michael got mad about something I said, we have us spoken, and then two times a year I have to defend. I was like, yo, man, Michael's doing great, Charles doing great. I wish him nothing but the best. But like, dude, we're not like Prince Harry and Prince William. We're not taking shots and by back door channels all the time. Michael's doing great, and I'm doing great.

You know, It's funny because I wasn't going to ask you about it because I figured you're sick of about I even wrote down like, are you sick of about Jordan? But since we're talking about it, I only had one question, really does have to do with the fallout. What I find fascinating about it is do you guys never bump into each other it functions and events or anything. I would think you would see him at least three four times a year at NBA functions and be golf this that. I mean, how do you never bump into each other and then just say, Hey, enough of this shit, let's let's move on.

You know, It's funny because I wasn't going to ask you about it because I figured you're sick of about I even wrote down like, are you sick of about Jordan? But since we're talking about it, I only had one question, really does have to do with the fallout. What I find fascinating about it is do you guys never bump into each other it functions and events or anything. I would think you would see him at least three four times a year at NBA functions and be golf this that. I mean, how do you never bump into each other and then just say, Hey, enough of this shit, let's let's move on.

You know, that's a great question because.

You know, that's a great question because.

I think we've actually only bumped not we never got face to face so close enough. But I think we've actually only been in the same room like three times in the last twenty five years.

I think we've actually only bumped not we never got face to face so close enough. But I think we've actually only been in the same room like three times in the last twenty five years.

That's crazy.

That's crazy.

Like we were in New York at the same hotel for something one time, and then at the Hall of Fame one year. He had to introduce somebody on stage, and I had to introduce somebody on state, And I think the third time was at that seventy fifth anniversary thing and we never got within twenty five feet of each other. But it is, But you know, we don't. We don't go to a lot of NBA functions Like I don't go to NBA games for the simple reason I had my date, right. I don't want to take away from today's players. When when when fans go to the game today, they should see the guys who play for the Phoenix, Suns and seventy six ers, like every now and then when they're retiring, somebody jersey or something. I'll make an appearance. But I don't go to NBA games because I had my day. I don't want people saying, oh, that's Charles Barker, that's Charles Barker. I had my day when I went to when they go to a game, I said, Hey, there's Devin Booker. Hey there's Kevin Durant. I want the fans to notice those guys. I don't want to take away.

Like we were in New York at the same hotel for something one time, and then at the Hall of Fame one year. He had to introduce somebody on stage, and I had to introduce somebody on state, And I think the third time was at that seventy fifth anniversary thing and we never got within twenty five feet of each other. But it is, But you know, we don't. We don't go to a lot of NBA functions Like I don't go to NBA games for the simple reason I had my date, right. I don't want to take away from today's players. When when when fans go to the game today, they should see the guys who play for the Phoenix, Suns and seventy six ers, like every now and then when they're retiring, somebody jersey or something. I'll make an appearance. But I don't go to NBA games because I had my day. I don't want people saying, oh, that's Charles Barker, that's Charles Barker. I had my day when I went to when they go to a game, I said, Hey, there's Devin Booker. Hey there's Kevin Durant. I want the fans to notice those guys. I don't want to take away.

So that's why I never go to NBA games.

So that's why I never go to NBA games.

I wanted to. I wanted to tie up inside the NBA a little bit, and then I have so many things to ask you, other stuff that you know, I don't keep you fair. But just we mentioned Van Gundy and I wanted to follow up with this about when we talked about Jeff, would you have you ever gotten would you say in trouble at Turner for something you've said? And when I say trouble, I don't mean like, hey, Charles, maybe just like I mean like, well, it was like, Charles, we got to talk to you about this.

I wanted to. I wanted to tie up inside the NBA a little bit, and then I have so many things to ask you, other stuff that you know, I don't keep you fair. But just we mentioned Van Gundy and I wanted to follow up with this about when we talked about Jeff, would you have you ever gotten would you say in trouble at Turner for something you've said? And when I say trouble, I don't mean like, hey, Charles, maybe just like I mean like, well, it was like, Charles, we got to talk to you about this.

Well.

Well.

My biggest complaint when I get calls from players and coaches or agents and I'll like and Jimmy, that's probably the one thing in the noise that shot out of me more than anything. And what I mean by that is these guys never called me when I said nine great things about them. Ever, ever I say one bad thing, the player called me. A coach is calling me on agents calling me, And that's probably the only time I really like, I'm not gonna get mad because I really want to like all the players and be friends with them, because the more success they have, the better it is for our product. But that's really the only time I really get pissed and mad. I'm like, yo, man, why have you ever called me in when I bragg about how great a player you are? And how great a person you are. But when you have a shit game or you do something stupid and I got to call you on it, you're blowing up my phone. That's really the only time I ever get really mad. But I don't get mad at the player to coach, at the agent, because like I said, I want them to feel like they can reach out to.

My biggest complaint when I get calls from players and coaches or agents and I'll like and Jimmy, that's probably the one thing in the noise that shot out of me more than anything. And what I mean by that is these guys never called me when I said nine great things about them. Ever, ever I say one bad thing, the player called me. A coach is calling me on agents calling me, And that's probably the only time I really like, I'm not gonna get mad because I really want to like all the players and be friends with them, because the more success they have, the better it is for our product. But that's really the only time I really get pissed and mad. I'm like, yo, man, why have you ever called me in when I bragg about how great a player you are? And how great a person you are. But when you have a shit game or you do something stupid and I got to call you on it, you're blowing up my phone. That's really the only time I ever get really mad. But I don't get mad at the player to coach, at the agent, because like I said, I want them to feel like they can reach out to.

Me and things like that.

Me and things like that.

But I get pissed when they're like, yo, man, you never call me when I said something positive about you.

But I get pissed when they're like, yo, man, you never call me when I said something positive about you.

I mean, do you ever have you ever got in trouble with Turner executives for something you said on the air?

I mean, do you ever have you ever got in trouble with Turner executives for something you said on the air?

Not really, not really.

Not really, not really.

They put a stop to the big San Antonio women, right, Yeah.

They put a stop to the big San Antonio women, right, Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

It was pissed me off because number one, it was a clearly a joking around situation.

It was pissed me off because number one, it was a clearly a joking around situation.

I guess some person wrote an article.

I guess some person wrote an article.

Now, if I said somebody name in particular, I could see somebody being sensitive. But Jimmy, the one thing that I'm never gonna do. You know, it's like when you know, when you have those sexual harassment meetings at work and they're like, we get together like a couple of times, Hey, let's talk about this. That's how And I'm sitting there with the lawyers and then people from ACR and they're like, well, intent doesn't matter. I'm like, see, that's why our judicial system is shit. Like intent should matter, right, so, and I was like, they're like, no, ch'alls's intent doesn't matter.

Now, if I said somebody name in particular, I could see somebody being sensitive. But Jimmy, the one thing that I'm never gonna do. You know, it's like when you know, when you have those sexual harassment meetings at work and they're like, we get together like a couple of times, Hey, let's talk about this. That's how And I'm sitting there with the lawyers and then people from ACR and they're like, well, intent doesn't matter. I'm like, see, that's why our judicial system is shit. Like intent should matter, right, so, and I was like, they're like, no, ch'alls's intent doesn't matter.

Guys.

Guys.

If you says to do this or this, I said, this is what's wrong with this whole thing. Intent shouldn't matter. So the point I'm trying to make to your question, I trust the public to know when I'm joking around. Now, somebody want to quote unquote counsel me make a big deal out of some I say, I'm never gonna give them that power. Dude, I'm so old a joke can actually be a joke, you know. But people out here, man, they want to be offended about everything. And it's really sad too, because that's what we are right now. Like somebody's offended about everything, and it's crazy.