A day ago, Colin Cowherd sparked discussion in sports media after suggesting ESPN’s limited use of Inside the NBA during its first season connected with the network may not have been random.
His remarks followed Charles Barkley saying he wished the show had aired more often in 2025. Cowherd indicated there might be an unspoken understanding between ESPN and the NBA that influenced the decision. While speaking on The Herd, Cowherd repeatedly stressed that he was sharing a theory rather than confirmed reporting.
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Still, the idea drew attention because it reflects a familiar reality in sports media. Leagues rely on networks for coverage and exposure, and broadcasters depend on leagues for access, which can sometimes influence how situations are handled behind the scenes.
MORE: Charles Barkley calls out ESPN over Inside the NBA appearances
And after Cowherd’s comment on ESPN, NBA legend and analyst Charles Barkley has clapped back at Cowherd with harsh words.
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Charles Barkley
Nov 21, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns former player Charles Barkley in attendance against the Minnesota Timberwolves during an NBA Cup game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“There’s some fools at home or on the internet. They’re at home now, saying that we were talking bad about the players, so they made us work less. Shut the hell up. Shut the hell up,” Barkley said.
He continued, “This was already scheduled. Nice catch, by the way. Because you know what? I really didn’t know. I know. Do you realize I was supposed to bring the firetruck set? Come on, man. These guys are like, well, you know, these guys, they’re going to put them on the shelf because they don’t want them on TV.”
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And lastly said, “Man, y’all need to shut the hell up. This was already planned months and months ago. All I said was I would have liked to work more. No, but we’re going to be so heavy on the back end.”
What Cowherd had said was, “My feeling is, this is just conjecture. Is that ESPN has a great relationship with the NBA, and they said, Yeah, we’ll bring that show over. You won’t see it as much. Put it on the shelf a little bit.” This hurt the feelings of the host of the ESPN analysts, like Barkley.
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