Barkley Quits Inside NBA, Won't Burn Bridges

Charles Barkley, aged 63, has announced his imminent retirement from the broadcast Inside the NBA. He stated on a recent radio show that it is "time to go" after a "great run," expressing gratitude for his career. Barkley's decision to retire is closely linked to his fellow broadcaster Ernie Johnson Jr.'s own retirement plans.

Barkley revealed that Johnson had requested he stay for two additional years as Johnson approached age 70. Barkley agreed to this request, which concludes this year. He indicated he would only consider reconsidering his retirement if Johnson changed his mind, stating he "would definitely not do the show without Ernie."

In contrast to Aaron Rodgers' recent controversial statements about ex-partners, Barkley asserted he would not "burn every bridge" or speak negatively about people on his way out. Rodgers, 42, had made critical remarks about former partners Shailene Woodley and Danica Patrick during a podcast interview last month, alleging their fame peaked during their relationships with him.

Rodgers' comments included details about his relationships with Patrick, from 2018 to 2020, and Woodley, with whom he was engaged in 2021 before separating a year later. He claimed Woodley told him she wanted to "go f*** this guy" before their wedding and that Woodley alleged Rodgers "ruined her life." Rodgers refuted these claims, stating Woodley took back her ring shortly after his proposal and that their relationship was not active in 2022 when it supposedly ended.