Charles Barkley Gains “Modern Family” Actor’s Support Over Raw Accusations on TNT Despite Stephen a Smith Backlash

There’s plenty of reasons we love Charles Barkley. A little celebrity acknowledgement only reinforces it. This time from a WNBA icon and a comedic entertainer. Lisa Leslie summed all our feelings to the TNT news and Adam Devine rallied behind Chuck. The NBA fanatic clearly relies on Inside the NBA for his basketball fix and doesn’t want it to end. But Devine and all of us have to grapple with that possibility after the NBA rejected TNT’s attempt to match Amazon’s deal. Sir Charles reacted before TNT to call out the league for ending a 35-year-long partnership. And unabashed Chuck impressed his biggest fan.

What stood out from Barkley’s longer statement is the sentence, “It’s a sad day when owners and commissioners choose money over the fans.” One of those very fans, Devine shared that statement on his Instagram Stories with an additional line of support. “[Charles Barkley] is the man! Love this guy.”

After Barkley’s statement, TNT revealed its decision to pursue this matter legally. So they have one dog in the fight to keep the NBA. Before their statement, Lisa Leslie, who’s had a few stints replacing the guys on Inside the NBA had a message for the crew on X. “I am so sad to hear that @TNT maybe going away! I can’t imagine watching the @NBA without @charlesbarkley @Shaq @kennysmith and @erniejohnson Basketball will never be the same without their honest opinions and laughter! Love you guys… and thanks for letting me sub in.”

Barkley had been the most outspoken about the NBA media rights situation for months. He responded to the rejection with consolation to his colleagues and fans of the show. He, however, changed his tune from blasting TNT leadership for their passive approach to blaming the league for Inside the NBA (possibly) ending.

He’s had many fans, both celebrity and otherwise agreeing with him. But one of his closest friends didn’t accept his stance.

Charles Barkley’s friend disagrees

Stephen A. Smith had a parallel campaign to keep Inside the NBA alive with the Chuck, Shaq, Ernie and Kenny. However after Barkley’s statement, he contrasted the sentiment. He called out Barkley for blaming the NBA for the potential end and reminded him that he exposed the Turner leadership’s lack of effort. He took offense to that particular sentence in his entire statement.

ESPN retains the marquee rights of the NBA over NBC and Amazon. So Smith’s not in Barkley&Co’s shoes. Nonetheless, Barkley’s concern for the jobs that would be affected at TNT made Smith’s point about Chuckster’s loveable personality.

He still wants to see Barkley on air. That’s why he refuses to accept his retirement and he’s urging ESPN to poach the entire Inside Crew to their network. How the coming days pan out for Barkley and TNT would regardless be a rollercoaster for fans.