NBA legend surprises Ernie Johnson with Hall of Fame news

During TNT's broadcast of "The Match," Charles Barkley surprised the "Inside the NBA" host. Barkley told Johnson, a six-time Sports Emmy winner, that he was elected to the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

Johnson appeared genuinely shocked and touched by the news. 

"Chuckster, what are you talking about?" Johnson asked Barkley. "That is awesome. Thank you so much. I am humbled beyond words. Thank you so much. It means the world to me.”

Barkley isn't just an NBA Hall of Famer. He was elected to the Sports Broadcasting Hall in 2021, following in the footsteps of other TNT Hall of Famers. That list includes the late Craig Sager, TNT's longtime sideline reporter, as well as retired broadcaster Marv Albert.

It doesn't yet include longtime "Inside" analyst Kenny Smith. That's right, just like so many races to the big board, Smith lost the race to the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

As for the fourth member of the panel, Shaquille O'Neal no longer had to dodge process servers, so he was free to beat the Chuckster in a putting challenge.

Barkley may be a Hall of Famer in basketball and broadcasting, but the Golf Hall of Fame will not be in his future.