Once North Dakota State coach Saul Phillips cried in the postgame press conference, he knew Charles Barkley would make a “Charles Barkley-ish” joke about it, making fun of his tears.
However, Barkley went on to make a speech showing the coach his tender side:
“Coach, I’ve been in the situation when you lose. It’s tough, man. I’ve been so blessed in my life. Basketball’s given me everything in my life. I’m not going to make fun because losing just sucks. You guys had a tremendous year. I’m not going to make fun of you, man.”
But of course that did not last too long, this is Charles Barkley folks! After showing his appreciation for the NCAA tournament, CBS/Turner, and his kindness towards a Summit League coach, the jokes finally came out.
I don’t think he was crying because they lost, I think he was crying because he gotta go back to North Dakota.”