Charles Barkley is known for his outspoken and sharp criticism of players and the front office as a studio analyst, which has sometimes affected his personal relationships with the players.
Barkley recently opened up about one of the most painful moments of his long friendship with Michael Jordan, revealing how a single on-air critique permanently fractured their relationship.
Charles Barkley Details the Moment His On-Air Criticism Changed Everything With Michael Jordan
In his recent appearance on the “Tom Tolbert Show.” Barkley, who has never shied away from blunt honesty during his media career, recalled the night Jordan “went ballistic” after Barkley publicly criticized his tenure as a General Manager. What started as professional commentary quickly escalated into a profoundly personal confrontation that neither side ever recovered from.
According to Barkley, Jordan called him immediately after the segment aired and was furious that the criticism came from someone he considered a best friend. “He called me that night and went ballistic on me,” Barkley said. “He said, ‘You supposed to be my best friend and you’re going to do that bullsh*t?’”
At the time, Barkley was doing his job as an analyst, evaluating Jordan’s performance as an NBA owner and decision-maker. Barkley has consistently maintained that his comments were strictly professional and not meant as a personal attack.
“I told him I have to do my job and you haven’t been a good GM,” Barkley explained.
That response only intensified the situation. Barkley revealed that Jordan cursed him out repeatedly during the call, marking the end of their relationship.
“How can I criticize other people and give you a pass? When other guys make bad draft picks, I call them [out] on it too.” Barkley said. “He cursed me out up and down and we have not spoken since that night,It was a very difficult thing for me because the guy was, like, really my best friend at the time.”
Barkley’s criticism of Jordan dates back to his time as an owner of the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets. Jordan became a minor partner in the Bobcats/Hornets organization in 2006 and then became the major partner in 2010. One of the biggest mistakes that Jordan made during the early part of his ownership was the 2006 NBA Draft, when the Bobcats/Hornets selected Adam Morrison with the third overall pick.
Many people questioned this pick because the Bobcats/Hornets had let several future All-Stars, such as Brandon Roy, Rajon Rondo, and Kyle Lowry, as well as NBA players who were already contributing to their team, such as Rudy Gay and JJ Redick, go by them.
In 2012, Barkley was vocal about questioning the decisions Jordan was making, as well as the culture surrounding him within the organization. Barkley believed that Jordan’s importance made it difficult for those around him to stand up and question any of his decisions.
Overall, Jordan’s tenure as majority owner was unable to achieve sustained success. In the 13 seasons that the Bobcats/Hornets have existed, during which Jordan owned a majority of the team, the team has won 423 games and lost 600 games during the regular season, made it to the playoffs only three times, and won zero playoff series. In 2023, Jordan parted ways with the Hornets.
