Mon May 05 01:50:00 UTC 2025: **Inside the NBA’s Charles Barkley Rips TNT Promo, Declares War on French Open Renaming**
NEW YORK, NY – In a now-viral moment, Inside the NBA analyst Charles Barkley unleashed a scathing critique of TNT’s upcoming French Open coverage, questioning the network’s decision to refer to the tournament as “Roland Garros.” The incident, which occurred during Wednesday night’s broadcast, adds another layer of hilarity to the show’s already famously irreverent style as it winds down its run on TNT before moving to ESPN.
Barkley’s outburst came as host Ernie Johnson was promoting the French Open, a key event for TNT following the loss of NBA broadcasting rights. Barkley declared the renaming of the tournament “one of the stupidest things I’ve ever heard,” prompting a swift rebuke from Johnson, who urged him to maintain a positive relationship with their new partners.
Undeterred, Barkley retorted, “We gave them $60 million a year, they better shut the hell up,” a comment that left Johnson to conclude, “Probably the last time we’ll run that promo.” The irony was not lost on viewers as the exchange unfolded against a backdrop of a large screen promoting the very event Barkley was criticizing.
The incident is being widely celebrated as another classic Barkley moment, showcasing the show’s unique chemistry and willingness to push boundaries. While the future of Inside the NBA on ESPN remains unclear, this latest episode underscores the enduring appeal of its distinctive brand of humor and outspoken commentary.
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