Charles Barkley paid an emotional tribute to longtime colleague Ernie Johnson following his retirement, thanking him for his leadership and friendship over the years.
Barkley, who worked alongside Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith on Inside the NBA, spoke about Johnson’s character and the respect he has earned throughout his broadcasting career.
The former NBA star explained that fans frequently ask him about his fellow analysts, but one of the most common questions concerns whether Johnson is as genuine and kind in person as he appears on television.
“The question I’m asked the most, I’m not going to lie. Most of the time I’m like, where’s Shaq and where’s Kenny? Like I keep them in my damn back pocket. But the question I’m probably ask the most is, is Ernie Johnson as good a person as he seem?”
Barkley said Johnson’s personality away from the cameras is even better than viewers might expect.
He also thanked Johnson for serving as the group’s leader and acknowledged that his retirement was difficult to accept, despite knowing it was approaching.
“And I say, man, he’s better than that. So I just want to say thank you, thank you for for being our leader for all these years and man, it’s it’s still even though I knew it was coming, it’s still hard, brother.”
Johnson has been a central figure on Inside the NBA, working with Barkley, O’Neal and Smith to make the program one of the most recognizable basketball shows on television.
He hosted the show for years, leading discussions and coordinating conversations between the analysts.
Barkley ended his tribute by thanking Johnson for their years of working together.
“You’re the kid who said thank you to me. And all I can say, Ernie, is thank you.”
