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Media outlets are known to chase the hottest and trendiest things going around. Recently, former NBA player and current analyst Charles Barkley called out the ESPN network and its crew of analysts and experts in a viral rant over their consistent efforts to push big-market teams like the Lakers and the Warriors. Since then, the network’s Stephen A. Smith has come forward to defend its integrity from the slights of the “Mound of Rebound.”
On the latest episode of First Take, Smith, while as vigilant in his vocabulary as ever, shot back at the 62-year-old. ‘Sir Charles’ criticized the ESPN’s coverage of the Lakers, Warriors, and GOAT debates. However, ‘SAS’ asked Barkley to speak with caution since he must know how these gigs work given his long tenure on an Emmy award winning show.
Barkley does television. He’d never be accused of knowing television. That would be Ernie Johnson who handles that responsibility. Maybe Charles Barkley should look at its rundowns from time to time even though they are an NBA show as opposed to a show that talks about an abundance of things. The fact of the matter is some stories get a higher profile than others because they resonate with the viewing public. And in television, it’s called ratings.
Stephen A. Smith stated
"Barkley does television. He'd never be accused of knowing television." – Stephen A. Smith responds to Charles Barkley's ESPN rant pic.twitter.com/46cYDKff1S
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 7, 2025
Stephen A. Smith‘s First Take is almost certainly the number one highest-rated daily studio show on ESPN as of early 2025. TNT’s Inside the NBA on the other hand has carved out its own lane with a mindboggling 21 spots Emmy awards.
And since the TNT lost broadcasting rights and under the new settlement, Inside the NBA will not disappear but will instead be licensed to ESPN starting next season. It’s kind of laughable that Barkley would knowingly bad-mouth his future employers.
Prior to addressing the verbal attack on his show, SAS hopped on to X to pushback at Charles Barkley. He called out the Hall of Famer, over his obscure and cryptic wording with the use of “y’all” and asked him to be more precise. He also said that he couldn’t wait to have him over at the ESPN.
Charles Barkley slams Kendrick Perkins over his Lakers’ hot take
Kendrick Perkins, a former teammate of LeBron James , said that he is thankful for the Lakers and the ‘King’ for saving the NBA not too long ago. However, this take by ESPN’s analyst didn’t sit well with ‘Sir Charles.’ So, in one of his classic banters, he berated ‘Perk’ over his biased stance. Here’s what ‘Chuck’ had to say as the rest of the panel died with laughter:
Charles Barkley GOES OFF about Lakers/Warriors coverage (and LeBron James/Michael Jordan debates) from "the fools on the other network (ESPN), which we're going to be working for next year." ️☠️ pic.twitter.com/0RyvL0H4ix
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 7, 2025
He (Kendrick Perkins) said the Lakers saved the NBA season. That’s because of them fools at the other network, which we’re going to be working at next year, that’s all they talk about. Let me tell y’all something. First of all, I want all the smoke. I don’t whistle when I walk by the graveyard or anything like that.
Charles Barkley on TNT
While Charles Barkley might come across as brash, he didn’t mean any harm. His only point was to highlight how both the media and fans tend to overlook other great stories happening simultaneously. With OKC leading the Western Conference and the Cavaliers holding the league’s best record this season, they certainly deserve some credit and attention for their hard work.
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Is NBA dragging its feet on expansion to spur arena deals?
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has voiced many reasons to delay expansion for the past few years. But the unspoken reason may be a simple one: leverage for new arenas. Two years ago, Silver told TNT that expansion had to wait until the league secured its new TV rights deal, which was finalized last July. But this summer, Silver said that expansion can't happen until the league resolves its issues with regional sports networks and local cable broadcasts. But one big reason that the NBA wants to wait are a number of unresolved arena situations. The New Orleans Pelicans' home arena, the Smoothie King Center, opened in 1999 and the team moved before the 2002-03 season. It's had minimal renovations since then, and the team's lease on the building only runs through 2029. In Minnesota, the Timberwolves play in the Target Center, an arena that opened in 1990, making it the NBA's second-oldest arena behind Madison Square Garden. It's had extensive renovations in 2004 and 2017, and the team's lease runs through 2035. New owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez have called building a new arena a "necessity" while the Minnesota Wild are pushing for extensive upgrades to their own arena. The Portland Trail Blazers' Moda Center opened in 1995, and Silver told reporters in July that Portland "needs a new arena." Their situation is unique in that the city owns the Moda Center, and the team has a new owner, Tom Condon. While Seattle and Las Vegas have long been rumored as likely expansion cities, the NBA may think they're more valuable now as relocation threats, specifically for the Pelicans, who have ranked 24th, 27th, 25th and 24th in attendance the last four seasons. They also play in the NBA's second-smallest TV market, behind the Memphis Grizzlies. Not only could the Pelicans move, but owners could pocket a relocation fee. There's nothing to stop the NBA from expanding after the arena uncertainty is resolved and a team moves to Seattle or Vegas, perhaps choosing another location like Vancouver or Mexico City — then sharing massive expansion fees. The NBA is loaded with talent and ripe for expansion. But don't expect it to happen until the NBA tries to extort its existing cities for arena money.
Dallas Stars lock up one of the league's best players with massive extension today in hockey history
The Dallas Stars have had many defining moments in their history, but few symbolize loyalty and leadership like Mike Modano's contract extension in the early 2000s. On August 21, 2003, the Stars officially locked up their franchise icon with an extension that cemented his role as the face of hockey in Texas. The move wasn't just about keeping a superstar forward, it was about keeping the identity of the Stars firmly tied to one of the most respected players in the game. Mike Modano's extension showed his loyalty and lasting impact on the Dallas Stars At the time, speculation lingered about whether Modano might test the waters elsewhere. Instead, he reaffirmed his commitment to Dallas, the franchise that had drafted him first overall back in 1988 when they were still the Minnesota North Stars. "This team, this city, it means everything to me. Staying here was the only choice that felt right," Modano said during the press conference announcing the deal. Those words resonated with fans, as his decision represented stability during an era when star players often left in search of bigger contracts. The extension also ensured that Modano would continue climbing the NHL record books in a Stars uniform. He went on to become the all-time American-born leader in goals and points, a record that defined his Hall of Fame career. Looking back, the August 21 signing stands as a cornerstone moment in Dallas Stars history. I think it was one of the smartest moves the franchise ever made, keeping Modano in green not only secured wins on the ice but also preserved a legacy that still inspires players today.
Commanders fans receive hopeful Terry McLaurin update
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Falcons HC speaks out after offensive starter gets carted off practice field with concerning injury
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