Charles Barkley Blows Ernie Johnson’s Mind by Saying He’s Never Listened to a Sporting Event on the Radio
1. “I think that’s the stupidest thing in the world.”
That was Charles Barkley sharing his opinion on listening to sporting events on the radio during the latest edition of his podcast, The Steam Room, with Ernie Johnson.
The piping-hot take, which left Johnson dumbfounded, came about when guest Paul “BizNasty” Bissonnette was describing his rise in sports media and mentioned that he worked as the Coyotes’ radio analyst.
“I would never listen to any sport on the radio. Let’s get that out the way,” declared Barkley.
That revelation led this this amusing exchange:
Barkley: I would never turn on the radio and listen to the game. I think that’s the stupidest thing in the world.
Johnson: You’ve never listened to a baseball game? An NBA playoff game?
Barkley: No. I’ve never listened to a sporting event on the radio.
Johnson: You’re lying.
Barkley: I’m telling you the truth. I think that’s the stupidest thing in the world.
Johnson: That’s an exaggeration.
Barkley: I’m a visual person when it comes to sports. I just wouldn’t want to listen to it on the radio.
At this point, Bissonnette brought up legendary Dodgers announcer Vin Scully, which led to Biz and Johnson questioning Barkley about not ever listening to him.
“I’m telling you I’ve never done that,” said Barkley.
Johnson again expressed his disbelief over Barkley’s radio hot take. That led to another funny exchange.
Barkley: I wanna watch it.
Johnson: I know you WANT to, but sometimes the next best thing is, “Hey, I just want to listen to it and see what’s going on.”
Barkley: No.
Johnson: You never listened to a Sixers game on the radio? You never listened to a Phillies game?
Barkley: Never. No. I go to the Phillies game. I’m trying to figure where you would drive long enough to sit in the car that long.
Johnson: It’s not like you have to listen to the whole game. It’s not a requirement.
Bissonnette: You don’t gotta go start to finish. I don’t think there are any rules behind it.I think you’re missing out, Chuck.
Barkley: I got TV, Biz. Flat screen.
For the record, basketball is horrendous on the radio. Football is O.K. Baseball is great. Baseball on the radio during a hot summer day while you're laying outside enjoying a cold beverage is one of life's great pleasures.
So to sum up: Charles Barkley is 60 years old and has never listened to a sporting event on the radio. Barkley somehow thinks if you listen to a game on the radio that it has to be from start to finish. And Barkley doesn’t listen to games on the radio because he has a flat-screen TV.
Never change, Chuck. Never, ever change.
2. Nikola Jokić was asked a pedestrian question and gave a great answer Thursday while preparing for Game 3 of the Nuggets’ series against the Suns, which resumes tonight in Phoenix with Denver up 2–0.
3. J.J. Watt appeared on Kevin Clark’s Slow News Day and revealed what he'd like to do in “retirement.”
“I would love a job where I have the opportunity to be involved in NFL football, EPL soccer, F1, NSWL women's soccer, the theater of some sorts, like Broadway, SNL, also Hollywood and movies. Also spend tons of time with my wife and son.”
I thought people retired to relax, but what do I know? Watt did reveal a slightly more realistic goal for the near future.
“I’m also hopefully gonna go to some cool college games. I’d love to go to the big college game, tailgate with the fans. I just wanna go park in the parking lot with the fans, play cornhole and drink beer and eat brats.”
That’s more like it.
4. ESPN’s Mark Jackson was trying to tell a nice little story during Thursday’s Warriors-Lakers game about Los Angeles coach Darvin Ham once breaking a backboard.
Jackson’s partner, Jeff Van Gundy, then came in with a haymaker.
5. There may not be anyone on Earth rooting for the Warriors to win the NBA title more than this guy.
6. A brand-new SI Media With Jimmy Traina podcast dropped Thursday morning, and this week’s guest is the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Topics discussed include:
• Why he loves covering the NFL draft
• What NFL event causes him to get the least amount of sleep
• Thoughts about the 2023 NFL schedule release
• Competing with ESPN’s Adam Schefter
• Aaron Rodgers telling Pat McAfee that Rapoport “doesn't know s--- about him”
• Enjoying the Shams vs. Woj rivalry
• His favorite experience breaking a story
• His biggest mistake breaking a story and much more.
Following Rapoport, Sal Licata from WFAN radio and SNY TV in New York joins me for our weekly “Traina Thoughts” segment. Topics covered include ESPN using old footage of the Twin Towers during an NBA playoff game, Aaron Rodgers embracing New York, Twitter life without a blue check and much more.
You can listen to the podcast below or download it on Apple, Spotify and Google.
You can also watch the SI Media With Jimmy Traina on YouTube.
7. RANDOM VIDEO OF THE DAY: A perfect video to take you into the weekend.
Be sure to catch up on past editions of Traina Thoughts and check out the SI Media With Jimmy Traina on Apple, Spotify or Google. You can also follow Jimmy on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
