Charles Barkley’s shock retirement announcement leaves sports world heartbroken: ‘National treasure’


SOURCE: NYPOST.COM
JUN 15, 2024

By

Social Links forDylan Svoboda

Published June 15, 2024, 2:05 p.m. ET

The sports world doesn’t want to see Charles Barkley go.

Social media was abuzz after the legendary TV commentator announced on NBA TV on Friday night after Game 4 of the Finals that he will be retiring from the airwaves.

Charles Barkley, one of the Greatest TV Personalities we have ever seen, is retiring after next year,

“I have talked to all the other networks, but I ain’t going no where other than TNT. I have made the decision myself….next year is going to be my last year on television.”

????

pic.twitter.com/DzKlrftxgK

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 15, 2024

Here’s the incomparable Charles Barkley on his retirement: https://t.co/qAeh8V6xZb pic.twitter.com/3OyGCXOfka

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 15, 2024

Barkley, who has been a broadcast icon since joining “NBA on TNT” shortly after his retirement from the NBA in 2000, said he will step away from the big screen after the 2024-25 NBA season.

“I have made the decision myself — no matter what happens — next year is going to be my last year on television,” Barkley said.

“Charles Barkley, one of the Greatest TV Personalities we have ever seen, is retiring after next year,” ex-NFL quarterback and ESPN personality Robert Griffin III wrote on X.

“This is so much sadder than it should be,” wrote on user in the replies.

“National Treasure,” wrote another.

“He will always be my favorite. He keeps it real, makes us laugh, and never sways from exuding pure class. Chuck is the best,” an X user shared.

Another former QB, Chase Daniel, shared in the sentiment.

“No CHUCK!!” he wrote.

“Nobody, in any sport, has been better in the studio than Barkley. Honest. Entertaining. Just fantastic,” PIX 11’s Marc Malusis wrote.

Charles Barkley said the 2024-25 NBA season will be his last on the air

No CHUCK!!

Charles Barkley: "I ain't going nowhere other than TNT. But, I have made the decision the myself….I’m going to retire after 25 years.”

pic.twitter.com/GnKAGqXXOr

— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) June 15, 2024

The decision comes as TNT’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, is reportedly on the brink of losing its NBA rights, leaving Barkley’s future up in the air.

“I’m not going to another network, but I’ll pass the baton to either Jamal Crawford or Vince Carter or you, Steve [Smith],” Barkley said on Friday.

Taylor Rooks, Charles Barkley and Wayne Gretzky speak onstage during Warner Bros. Discovery Upfront 2024 on May 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Warner Bros.

Taylor Rooks, Charles Barkley and Wayne Gretzky speak onstage during Warner Bros. Discovery Upfront 2024 on May 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Warner Bros.Getty Images for Warner Bros. Discovery

Charles Barkley is an absolute legend and this is him on his announced retirement. While there’s still time left I’m going to miss seeing him on screen when that time comes.

…I would also like to see how the women of San Antonio respond. pic.twitter.com/891TjZSpcf

— Omar Jimenez (@OmarJimenez) June 15, 2024

Nobody, in any sport, has been better in the studio than Barkley. Honest. Entertaining. Just fantastic. https://t.co/M3NeSZIkN2

— Moose™ (@MarcMalusis) June 15, 2024

Before the retirement announcement, Barkley was set to become one of the most sought-after free agents in sports media.

“I just want to say thank you to my NBA family,” Barkley added. “You guys have been great to me. My heart is full with joy and gratitude.”