Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Barkley Pinpoints 2012 Call That Ended Friendship With Michael Jordan

Barkley says a heated response to his on-air critique of Jordan’s Hornets leadership severed a decades-long bond.

Overview

  • Speaking on the Tom Tolbert Show, Charles Barkley said Michael Jordan phoned after a 2012 broadcast to confront him over critical comments.
  • Barkley recalled telling Jordan he had to be honest in his analyst role, saying Jordan had not performed well in front-office leadership.
  • He cited past critiques tied to draft decisions, including choosing Adam Morrison over Brandon Roy, as part of his evaluation.
  • Barkley said the call escalated with profanity and that they have not spoken since, though he has expressed openness to reconciling.
  • Jordan’s tenure as Charlotte’s majority owner produced three playoff appearances and a 7-59 season before he sold control in 2023 and kept a minority stake, and he has not publicly responded to Barkley’s latest account.