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VIDEO: Charles Barkley jokes about Fergie’s anthem rendition at NBA All-Star Game
February 18, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Recording artist Fergie performs the national anthem during introductions for the 2018 NBA All Star Game at Staples Center.  Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Barkley was among the masses who found Fergie’s performance of the national anthem at Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game … interesting.

Fergie’s performance was widely mocked and ridiculed on social media, and it was very entertaining seeing how those present at Staples Center, including players, reacted to the rendition.

Barkley, who never hesitates to express his opinion, not surprisingly had thoughts on the performance, even though Shaquille O’Neal went to bat for the singer as the TNT crew reacted to the odd situation at halftime.

The interplay between Shaq and Sir Charles — with a brief interjection from Ernie Johnson — as transcribed by Dime Mag.

CHARLES: “Can we talk about Fergie’s National Anthem?”
SHAQ: “Oh, stop. Don’t do that. Don’t do that to my Fergie. Fergie, I love you. It was different, it was sexy, leave her alone.”
CHARLES: “Damn right it was sexy, I need a cigarette after that one.”
SHAQ: “It was different. Give it to me different in 2018. Whitney Houston did it different, too.”
ERNIE: “Marvin Gaye did it different, here in L.A..”
CHARLES: “No, he did it right.”

Shaq was not done sticking up for Fergie, however.

Oof. Suffice to say, the implication is that Barkley found Fergie’s rendition of the anthem “turrible.”

This article first appeared on Sportress of Blogitude and was syndicated with permission.

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