Why Michael Jordan ended 20-year friendship with Charles Barkley over one comment

Charles Barkley admits Michael Jordan criticism led to friendship collapse

Speaking on The Tom Tolbert Show, Charles Barkley recounted how Michael Jordan called him after he criticised his performance as owner of the then-Charlotte Bobcats.

Jordan would go off on his friend for daring to critique him, but Barkley stood by his remarks, despite knowing the impact they would have.

“I remember he called me that night, and he went ballistic on me. Telling me, ‘You supposed to be my best friend, and you’re going to do that b——–?’ I said, ‘Man, I gotta do my job.’”

“And I said, ‘You haven’t done a good job as a general manager, and that’s my job, to be honest. How can I criticize other people and give you a pass?’

“When other guys make bad draft picks, I call them on it too. And he just cursed me out up and down, and we have not spoken since that night.

“It was a very difficult thing for me because the guy was, like, really my best friend at the time. But I can’t do my job if I’m not being honest.”

Jordan, who was still running the Bobcats at the time, never commented publicly. The conversation ended with harsh words – and the end of a friendship that had lasted since their rookie years in 1984.

The end of a long-time bond between NBA icons

Clearly, the end of their friendship took a huge toll on Charles Barkley, who has lamented their split ever since it occurred.

However, Barkley quite admirably refused to abandon his principles as an analyst, even for the man he called his best friend for so many years.

Barkley has been a very popular and successful NBA commentator over the years, and a huge reason for that is his candor and willingness to say what many others aren’t.

As for Michael Jordan, he has moved away from the NBA space, selling the majority of his shares in the Charlotte Hornets.

Hopefully, the pair can reconcile their friendship in the future, as they aren’t just two of the NBA’s greatest players, but also an iconic off-court duo.

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