Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan’s friendship dates back to their playing days in the NBA, but to say their friendship is strained these days is putting it lightly. In an interview with Yahoo! Barkley went into detail on why Jordan isn’t too happy with him these days.
Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley used to be close buddies but are no longer good friends. Barkley says that is due to MJ getting offended by Chuck’s criticism of the Charlotte Bobcats.
Barkley did an interview with Yahoo!’s Graham Bensinger and was asked about his friendship with Jordan, which dates back to their time together in the NBA, on the Dream Team and in the movie “Space Jam.” Barkley still has a lot of love for Jordan.
“Michael has always been like a brother to me,” Barkley said. “He’s been a great mentor to me in the business world and he’s been a great friend.”
When pressed about where things soured, Barkley said his criticism of MJ’s performance as owner of the Bobcats was upsetting to His Airness.
“I think that Michael was upset by some of the things I said about the Bobcats – which, number one, they were true. I told you earlier, I’m going to be honest, and I’m going to be fair,” said Barkley.
“First of all, he’s doing a much better job. But a couple years ago, I want to say three years ago, when they were vying for the worst record in NBA history, Michael had not done a good job. He took it personally.”
The truth hurts I guess. Charles has never been one to hold his tongue, which is why so many respect him, but in this instance Jordan got into his feelings about his comments.