Feedzy Read More Charles Barkley is not backing down after his viral comments about Cardi B during the NBA Finals sparked outrage online. In fact, the basketball analyst says he would welcome the fallout, even joking that he hopes ESPN fires him.The sports personality addressed the controversy during Wednesday’s episode of “The Dan Patrick Show,” where he made it clear he has no regrets over the joke that divided fans following Cardi B’s halftime performance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJPA / AFF-USA.COM / MEGABarkley did not appear concerned about potential repercussions from ESPN after his comments about Cardi B’s appearance went viral.Instead, the former NBA star joked that losing his job might actually work in his favor. “You know, I’m hoping they fire me,” Barkley said. “I got six or seven years left on my contract that they know I’ve got no chance of doing. I would love for them to fire and have to pay me for the next six or seven years.”According to Barkley, no executives at the network approached him about the controversy. Still, he acknowledged the backlash swirling online.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementGilbert Flores/Broadimage / MEGARather than apologize, Barkley doubled down on his stance and dismissed critics upset by the remarks. “People can’t take a joke?” he questioned. “They can kiss my *ss. I appreciate all the support I’ve gotten all these years, but if anybody thinks like them, they’re a fool.”He added, “So if people don’t like me or don’t have a sense of humor, they can kiss my *ss.”The controversy erupted after Barkley commented on Cardi B’s appearance during her halftime performance at Monday’s New York Knicks vs. San Antonio Spurs matchup at Madison Square Garden.The Grammy-winning rapper performed hits including “Bodak Yellow” and “Bodega Baddie” while wearing a plunging bustier and leggings alongside the Knicks City Dancers.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLisa OConnor/AFF-USA.com / MEGADuring the live broadcast, Barkley made multiple jokes about Cardi B’s chest while reacting to the performance. “I don’t know if those B’s. They might be Cardi D’s,” he quipped, referencing the rapper’s bra size. “I’m pretty sure those aren’t B’s,” Barkley added before joking, “She’s got the wrong initials.”His Inside the NBA co-hosts Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson laughed at the moment, with Johnson joking, “I don’t know who said that, but I know it wasn’t me.”The comments quickly sparked debate online. “Careful, that’ll get you fired, haha,” one person wrote. Another critic slammed the joke as “totally inappropriate,” adding: “We’re always commenting on each other’s bodies. This man is old enough to be her grandaddy.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOthers defended Barkley’s humor. “Only Chuck can say something that wild and still be loved for it,” one fan wrot
Charles Barkley ‘Hopes’ ESPN ‘Fires Him’ After NSFW Cardi B Joke
- by admin