Charles Barkley just wants to golf with Michael Jordan again.
In an interview with Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks, the host asked Barkley about recent comments he made on Tom Brady’s podcast, in which the Basketball Hall of Famer said he and Jordan haven’t spoken in 10 years due to something he said that offended the Bulls legend.
“It’s a really unfortunate situation for me and him,” Barkley said. “But I’m going to do my job, first and foremost. Because I can’t criticize other coaches and general managers, and give him a pass because he’s my best friend. I just can’t do that.
“What I said was, ‘Michael’s got to surround himself with better people. And I worry about him being successful.’”
Barkley was referring to comments he made in a 2012 radio interview on “The Waddle & Silvy Show” on ESPN 1000, when he said Jordan “has not done a good job” as an NBA executive.
At the time, Jordan was two years into his tenure as majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets), and Barkley explained that he believed Jordan was surrounded by the wrong people.
“I had no problem saying it, and it was the truth,” Barkley told Rooks. “And he took offense and he called me and it wasn’t a pleasant conversation and we haven’t spoken since then.
“I thought it would blow over, to be honest with you. And he’s stubborn — and I’m stubborn — and that’s it.”
As for what Barkley would say to Jordan now to mend their relationship?
“I probably would say, ‘Hey, you know, what I said, I believed. I’m sorry you took offense to it, and let’s get past this bulls–t and go back to playing golf and having fun.’”
Barkley added that the two have been in the same room on numerous occasions through the years, but they never interacted with one another.
Jordan has yet to address Barkley’s comments.
