Charles Barkley Makes Unexpected Admission About Auburn's Biggest Rival

In a video posted by AL.com's Patrick Greenfield, the Auburn Tigers basketball legend was seen sharing a brief, cordial moment with Alabama Crimson Tide head football coach Kalen DeBoer. The clip, seemingly from a golf event, shows the two exchanging pleasantries, mainly Barkley sharing kind words.

However, Barkley's parting message is drawing attention on social media.

"I can't say this loud... You have a great program," Barkley told DeBoer as the tandem parted ways.

Yes, that Charles Barkley, Auburn's most recognizable ambassador, just gave flowers to the head coach of the Tigers' most hated rival. Regardless of the sport, Auburn and Alabama house arguably the most heated and historic intrastate rivalry in college sports.

Last season, DeBoer, in his first year replacing the legendary Nick Saban, posted a 9-4 record, good enough to make a lasting impression on Barkley.

DeBoer took over for Saban following a 17-year run with the Crimson Tide that featured a ludicrous six national championships. DeBoer joined Alabama via the Washington Huskies, where he led the former-Pac-12 program to the College Football Playoff finale in 2023.

Although 9-4 is more than acceptable at more programs, it was a down season for Alabama, failing to reach double-digit wins for the first time since 2007.

Nevertheless, the clip of Barkley chopping it up with DeBoer will most likely stir the pot across the fanbases of Alabama and Auburn. During his tenure with Auburn, Barkley earned All-SEC honors thrice, while winning SEC Player of the Year for the 1983-84 season. He led the conference in rebounds each season.

Although supportive of DeBoer, as seen on Wednesday, Barkley's support for Auburn has never wavered. Every season, despite their seeding, Barkley has consistently pushed for Auburn to make a deep NCAA Tournament as long as they make the field.