Charles Barkley Says He Would ‘Love To Be Friends’ With Michael Jordan But Admits The Two Haven’t Spoken In Years

Michael Jordan Charles Barkley Feud

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With ‘The Last Dance’ set to air this Sunday, April 19th, on ESPN, Michael Jordan has once again become a topic of discussion in NBA circles.

Many former NBA teammates and foes of Jordan are sharing stories about the GOAT.

Gary Payton shared a story about Jordan eating his trash-talking soul in his rookie year, Steve Kerr discussed MJ odd way of motivating teammates, and Bill Laimbeer, well, he still hates Jordan.

Never one to shy away from giving his opinion, Charles Barkley discussed Jordan on a recent episode of Hoops, Adjacent with David Aldrige.

The Coronavirus-free Barkley discussed his falling out with Jordan over comments made on TV regarding MJ’s ownership skills with the Charlotte Bobcats.

“We were great friends forever,” Barkley said of Jordan.

“I miss Michael. I love Michael. I wish him nothing but the best. He’s the greatest basketball player ever. But obviously he didn’t take kindly to some things I said about his management skills.

And that’s unfortunate. That’s unfortunate. But I’ve got to do my job …”

When co-host Wos Lambre expressed shock that the two weren’t able to hash things out after all these years, Barkley admitted that was partially his fault.

“You know, you sound like some of my friends.

That can’t happen because I didn’t do anything wrong. I would love to be friends with Michael ’cause, like I say, he was great to me for 20-some years and I love him like a brother.

He was like a brother to me. But our last conversation, he was not very happy with some things I was saying about him on television. … My criticisms, No. 1, were fair …”

This tiff between Barkley and Jordan is the classic case of two strong-willed people refusing to give in.

Unfortunately, disagreements like these tend to last forever.

Barkley has a point, he was just doing his job. He’s paid big money to give his opinion on all things NBA. He can’t hold back just because he’s friends with a player.

Jordan seems to be a little too butthurt for a guy who trashed talked teammates on a daily basis, though not on national television. Maybe he’s mad because Barkley was right in his criticism.

These guys just need about 18 holes of golf to air their grievances or Barkley needs to literally kiss Jordan’s backside the way he did to Kenny Smith.

[via NBC Sports]