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Charles Barkley Defends Lynn Jones, Blasts Media Critics and ESPN’s Sparse Use of ‘Inside the NBA

ESPN plans a ramp-up, with the show booked 15 times before mid-April plus every playoff night on its channels.

Overview

  • On The Dan Le Batard Show, Barkley criticized reporters who mocked Jacksonville Free Press journalist Lynn Jones for praising Jaguars coach Liam Coen after a playoff loss.
  • He said ESPN could fire him and noted he has seven years left on his contract, joking the network would still owe him the full payout.
  • Barkley complained the show has aired only about four times in three months, saying the crew worked once in December and essentially once in January so far.
  • Inside the NBA moved from TNT to ESPN/ABC this season under a licensing deal, and ESPN content chief Burke Magnus called the backloaded schedule an imperfect situation.
  • Upcoming listings show 15 broadcasts through mid-April with nightly appearances during ESPN/ABC playoff game nights, while Barkley said the overall transition has been great despite scheduling frustrations.