Charles Barkley’s brutal criticism of ESPN and LeBron James’ Lakers is spot on, says fired network host

Charles Barkley's brutal criticism of ESPN and LeBron James' Lakers is spot on, says fired network host

Former ESPN employee Michelle Beadle sided with Charles Barkley after the TNT analyst brutally criticized ESPN’s NBA coverage.

Earlier this month, Barkley slammed the network for ‘always talking about the same stuff’ – namely, the network’s repeтιтive focus on LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

The NBA Hall of Famer went on to call Kenrick Perkins ‘an idiot and a fool’ for claiming the Lakers pairing James with Luka Doncic was ‘saving the NBA.’

‘First of all, on the Lakers, they had a great two weeks,’ Barkley said. ‘He said the Lakers saved the NBA season and them fools, on the other network, which we’re going to be working for next year. That’s all they talk about.’

Speaking with her Mad Dog Sports Radio co-host, Cody Decker, Beadle shared how ESPN forced hosts to talk about the Lakers.

‘I worked there. We had to just always talk about the Lakers,’ Beadle said about her time with ESPN. ‘We always talked about the Cowboys. It’s brain-numbing formulated bulls***.’

“This is what we’ve been trying to say all damn season.”@MichelleDBeadle agrees with Charles Barkley for calling out ESPN for their lack of national NBA coverage. 🔗 For more ‘Beadle and Decker:’ | @SiriusXMSports pic.twitter.com/dmh7xbTMMn

— Mad Dog Sports Radio (@MadDogRadio) March 7, 2025 Charles Barkley slammed ESPN for focusing on LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers

Charles Barkley slammed ESPN for focusing on LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers

Read More Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau explodes at Josh Hart as veteran star fails to score in over 39 minutes article image

‘There were days it was like, ‘How are we forcing a story about this? There are actually stories that people might care about.’

‘Because here’s the thing about that place, it is national, it is global in some places,’ Beadle added.

‘I get it, you think that’s what moves the needle, but Barkley’s right and this is what we’ve been trying to say all damn season. There are fun stories happening right now.’

This is not the first time Beadle has been critical of the four-time NBA champion. In 2021, she accused James of trying to get her fired from ESPN for mocking ‘The Decision’ – a 75-minute network special dedicated to James’ team announcement before the 2010-11 season.

‘It is not the job of one network, although I guess you could argue that it is, to just constantly suck off one player in the league and only talk about that,’ Beadle said.

Furthermore, Beadle expressed how she respected Barkley’s forwardness and honesty.

‘I just love that Barkley calls people by name. I respect that,’ Beadle concluded. ‘And I know that Kendrick Perkins has responded. We all know nothing’s gonna come of this. There’s gonna be a lot of hugging-it-out stuff when they see each other. It always is. I wish people held grudges like I hold grudges.’

Related Posts

NBA Draft star gives NSFW response live on TV after being picked by the Toronto Raptors

NBA Draft star gives NSFW response live on TV after being picked by the Toronto Raptors

Soon-to-be NBA star Collin Murray-Boyles may not have made the best first impression with the Toronto Raptors, after being caught swearing live on TV after the pick….

Alex Rodriguez and billionaire business partner Marc Lore ‘get new backer and submit signed financial documentation’ to inch closer to fully purchasing the Minnesota Timberwolves for .5billion

Alex Rodriguez and billionaire business partner Marc Lore ‘get new backer and submit signed financial documentation’ to inch closer to fully purchasing the Minnesota Timberwolves for $1.5billion

Most watched Sport videos Baseball legend Alex Rodriguez and his billionaire business partner Marc Lore have gotten a step closer to completing a full takeover of the Minnesota…

Two-time NBA champion Jrue Holiday left ‘p***ed’ over Boston Celtics’ cost-cutting divorce

Two-time NBA champion Jrue Holiday left ‘p***ed’ over Boston Celtics’ cost-cutting divorce

As the Boston Celtics continue to enforce cost-cutting measures ahead of next season, one star has been left ‘p***ed’ over their decision to trade him.  On Monday, Boston…

Draymond Green ‘upset’ with LeBron James after Lakers star started joint podcast with former pro JJ Reddick before appearing on the Warriors forward’s show

Draymond Green ‘upset’ with LeBron James after Lakers star started joint podcast with former pro JJ Reddick before appearing on the Warriors forward’s show

Most watched Sport videos Draymond Green has joked that he’s ‘mad’ at LeBron James for starting a collective podcast with JJ Reddick before appearing on his own…

Boston Celtics prepare to trade another NBA champion as ruthless offseason rebuild continues

Boston Celtics prepare to trade another NBA champion as ruthless offseason rebuild continues

The Boston Celtics are set to continue their summer shake-up by trading a third star from their roster, according to reports.  Just two days before the NBA…

Paul Pierce’s LA home is robbed of luxury watches and 0K – as NBA Hall of Famer becomes the latest celebrity victim amid wave of ‘burglary tourists’ in Southern California

Paul Pierce’s LA home is robbed of luxury watches and $100K – as NBA Hall of Famer becomes the latest celebrity victim amid wave of ‘burglary tourists’ in Southern California

Most watched Sport videos Former NBA star Paul Pierce’s Los Angeles home was broken into by burglars, who reportedly stole jewelry and over $100,000 in cash on…