Charles Barkley’s old and hilarious commentary appeared on Inside the NBA on Tuesday, as his prior comments about working for ESPN came up live on air. With the network TV show set to move from TNT to ESPN and ABC platforms after this season, the NBA legend’s 2016 critique was highlighted. In it, he laughed while dismissing the idea of working for the Disney-owned network.

Inside the NBA’s upcoming move comes after months of speculation concerning the show’s future due to the NBA’s new TV rights deal. While TNT will stop showing NBA games, Inside the NBA is nearly confirmed to retain the cast of Barkley, Kenny Smith, Ernie Johnson, and Shaquille O’Neal intact.

According to The Athletic, O’Neal has yet to finalize his contract extension for the show, adding the only logistical wrinkle to the program’s formula. But instead of Shaq’s participation being the focal point, the internet laughed at Barkley’s old comments against a theoretical move to ESPN.

During the latest program episode before the Cleveland Cavaliers faced the Boston Celtics in an NBA Cup Group C matchup, a 2016 clip showed Barkley laughing while saying, “They aren’t going to work me like a dog. ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPN News, ESPNU, ESPN Radio, and then come home with that little puny check.” His mockery baited laughter from the live audience and his co-hosts, as O’Neal nearly fell out of his seat with laughter.

O’Neal then joined the fun, pointing out ESPN’s Deportes branch, which caters to Spanish-speaking audiences. The panel erupted in laughter as they imagined Barkley attempting to host in Spanish, with O’Neal ripping Barkley about his limited language skills.

The segment showcased the vibe between the show’s stars, which has made the show a fan favorite for decades. The network change marks the end of a 36-year relationship with TNT, where the show debuted in 1989.

Shaquille O'Neal laughs at Barkley's joke

Barkley’s joke from 2016 came back to life ( 

Image:

NBA on TNT)

Fans reacted with jokes and nostalgia after the clip floated around online. One fan reflected positively on the outcome, writing, “I’m happy that good business prevailed in the end. All things considered, this is a win-win for everyone involved.”

Another fan took a shot at Barkley’s infamously bad Spanish and said, “Chuck practicing his Spanish for the women in San Antonio.” The comment also shedded light on his old commentary about the city of San Antonio, which has become a recurring joke on the show.