Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan allowed one disagreement to wipe away nearly 15 years of friendship.
Now, both NBA legends appear ready to admit that was far too long.
Charles Barkley discusses repairing friendship with Michael Jordan
During a recent appearance on Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take,” Barkley shared new details about the unexpected phone call that reopened communication between him and Jordan. The former friends had barely spoken since 2012, when Barkley publicly criticized Jordan’s performance as owner of the Charlotte Bobcats.
“I love Michael, but he just has not done a good job,” Barkley said at the time.
It was a harsh assessment coming from someone Jordan considered a close friend. It was also difficult to argue with. Charlotte finished the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season with a 7-59 record, giving the franchise the worst winning percentage in NBA history.
A difference in opinion
Jordan apparently viewed Barkley’s comments as a betrayal. Barkley saw them as part of his job as an analyst.
Neither man budged. For years.
Former MLB star Vince Coleman finally broke the stalemate earlier this year. Coleman was playing golf with Jordan when he called Barkley and handed over the phone. Apparently, repairing a 14-year friendship sometimes requires little more than one stubborn friend and decent cell service.
A reconciliation in the making
Barkley recalled seeing Jordan’s name appear on his phone and answering in the most Barkley-like way possible.
“What’s up, (expletive)?” Barkley said.
That broke the ice. The conversation soon turned more serious as both men acknowledged how much time they had wasted.
“We were great friends, brothers for a long time,” Barkley said, adding that both had been “selfish and stupid.” Barkley also admitted stubbornness kept either man from making the first move.
Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan over the years
Barkley and Jordan were hardly casual acquaintances before the fallout. Both entered the NBA through the 1984 draft, played together on the legendary 1992 United States Olympic Dream Team and faced one another in the 1993 NBA Finals.
Their friendship survived years of competition, trash talk and gambling stories. Somehow, it could not survive Barkley doing exactly what ESPN and TNT paid him to do: give an honest opinion.
Barkley has never backed away from his original criticism. He simply reached a point where proving he was right became less valuable than getting his friend back.
A friendship rekindled
The two have not completed their reunion yet. Jordan has been overseas, but Barkley said they plan to meet at Jordan’s golf course and spend a few days together once their schedules line up.
“As soon as we get a chance, we’re gonna get together,” Barkley said.
Barkley refused to apologize for doing his job, and Jordan refused to call. Eventually, both realized the friendship was worth more than winning the argument.
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