On the most recent episode of the PBD Podcast, host Patrick Bet-David asked expert Stephen A. Smith if Chicago Bulls icon Michael Jordan and Hall of Famer Charles Barkley would ever reconcile. Smith did not mince words, claiming that Jordan and Barkley do not loathe one other, but he does not see them burying the hatchet and renewing their friendship. While articulating his point of view, the ESPN expert remembered how Jordan and Kobe Bryant used to berate him via phone calls.
Many believe Jordan dislikes being criticized. Jordan, according to Smith, dislikes being caught off guard. He said:
“It’s a misnomer to think that you can’t criticize Michael Jordan… Just don’t betray him. Don’t be somebody that says something to his face and he’s shocked by what you’re saying when he sees you on television.
“I’ve gotten calls over the years from Michael Jordan [saying], ‘I know your a*s didn’t just say what the hell I just heard you say blah blah blah.’ Kobe used to give them to me all the time. I mean, Kobe was much worse than MJ.”
Stephen A. Smith speaks about Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen drama
Smith revealed that he has had numerous phone disagreements with Jordan but will not repeat them in order to protect his friendship with the six-time NBA Finals MVP. He hinted that Jordan and Scottie Pippen would never reconcile since the five-time MVP felt betrayed when his teammate failed to express him sympathies following his father’s sudden death. Smith revealed that Jordan informed him:
“I hope it was worth it for [Scottie]. I have nothing else to say.”
Jordan and Barkley stopped talking in 2012 after the latter chastised the then-Charlotte Bobcats owner for the team’s dismal record. The former Phoenix Suns superstar previously stated that Jordan would never be successful as an executive because he is surrounded by individuals who cannot go against his word, even if they believe he is wrong.
On the Let’s Go podcast, Barkley stated that Jordan must make the first move for the two to reconcile. Smith’s disclosure, however, suggests that the Bulls legend is unwilling to mend relations with his former closest friend.