Charles Barkley took up more than his allotted space on the basketball court. And so did Shaquille O’Neal. It’s part of what made both NBA legends Hall of Fame players and fan favorites. But there is only so much room — and time — in the NBA on TNT Studio, and Barkley is the TV equivalent of a ball hog, says Shaq. Shaq has admitted many times that he’s sensitive, but the big fella pouted and wouldn’t contribute any commentary after Barkley usurped some of Shaq’s allotted time. (video below)
Cool head Ernie Johnson implored Shaq to deliver his wisdom after Barkley butted in line with some wrongheaded commentary about what the Trail Blazers should do. (Barkley suggested they use a player who isn’t even on the Blazers!) But Shaq would not accede to Ernie’s big ask. He just would not. Shaq just pouted and said: “Go back over there,” pointing to Barkley. “I’m not [saying anything]. You do that all the time — it’s supposed to go 1 (Barkley), 2 (Smith), 3 (Shaq). Go back over there, to know it all.” Know it all, of course, is Barkley.
Kenny Smith backed Shaq, saying “I understand, Shaq,” and then, pointing at Barkley, asked: “Why would you not let the guy have his minute?” (The drama was amp’d because they had put up 3 minutes on the screen to be shared; they finally got to Shaq with 30 seconds left, but he said no.) Smith continued talking to Barkley, referring to Shaq: “That might be the greatest center who ever played the game right there.”
Shaq told Charles: “Don’t disrespect me again like that.” He challenged Barkley: “Do it again. Do it again. You got one more time, Chuck.”
