Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Charles Barkley Facing Backlash During NCAA Championship Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Apr 7, 2025 10:56 PM ET

Charles Barkley does not cover college basketball throughout the year, but every March and April, college hoops fans get to hear his blunt analysis and comical musings as a part of CBS Sports' studio coverage of the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

This season's NCAA Tournament concluded with a matchup of No. 1 seeds in the national championship. The Florida Gators and Houston Cougars scrapped it out for a title on Monday night in San Antonio to be crowned the March Madness champion.

With Florida and Houston locked into a three-point game at halftime, Barkley's drew backlash for a huge mistake on the CBS broadcast that unfortunately took attention away from the incredible basketball spectacle.

Barkley could not be bothered to get the name right of one of college basketball's biggest stars this season.

The studio crew of Ernie Johnson, Jay Wright, Clark Kellogg, Kenny Smith and Barkley spent time shouting out some of the other big moments in sports that happened during the men's Final Four, including Alexander Ovechkin's NHL goals record and UConn women's basketball's national championship on Sunday.

As highlights of the women's final played, Barkley referred to UConn star Azzi Fudd as "Azeez." Fudd scored 24 points in the national championship game against South Carolina and was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player.

Charles Barkley really called Azzi Fudd “Aziz” on a national broadcast.

I —
— Meghan L. Hall (@ItsMeghanLHall) April 8, 2025

"Charles Barkley referred to NCAA women's Final Four MOP Azzi Fudd as Aziz," said an X user. "Dude just don't care anymore."

"Did Charles just call Azzi Fudd, Aziz?" said another in disbelief, demanding, "GET IT RIGHT BARKLEY."

"WHY DID CHARLES BARKLEY JUST CALL AZZI AZIZ?!?!?!" one user posted on X. "I HATE MEN WHERE IS THE RESPECT TO AT LEAST KNOW THEIR NAMES THE (expletive)?!?!"

charles barkley calling azzi fudd “azziz” unc do your research
— • K (@tweetsbykw) April 8, 2025

"charles barkley put some respect on azzi fudd’s name her name is NOT azziz!!!" a fan posted, while others begged to get him off their televisions.

It was not his only sacrilegious moment during the Final Four. The 62-year-old also doubled down on his infamous assessment of women in San Antonio, another tough look for the face of CBS Sports' coverage on the biggest stage, especially when it comes to speaking on women.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: