NBA legend Charles Barkley slams 'selective outrage' around Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series
NBA legend Charles Barkley has hit out at the "selective outrage" surrounding the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series, admitting he will consider joining as a broadcaster.
Barkley has become a star broadcaster for Turner Sports since retiring from the NBA, with the network's 'Inside the NBA' one of the most popular sports shows around.
The 59-year-old dined with LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman this week, and admitted the pair had spoken about the Saudi-led group behind the controversial tournament.
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"I told [Norman]," Barkley told the New York Post, 'Listen, they are making up words, like 'blood money' and 'sports washing.' I said, 'We have all taken 'blood money' and we all have 'sports washed' something so I don't like those words, to be honest with you.'
"If you are in pro sports, you are taking some type of money from not a great cause.
Charles Barkley, like many NBA stars, thoroughly enjoys his time out on a golf course Getty
"I'm a Nike guy, also, so I'm not going to do that thing where I pick and choose what I'm outraged about, where my money comes from. I just don't think that is fair. I think that makes you a hypocrite.
"And let's be fair, all these golf tours have played in Saudi Arabia and China. That was my point."
Barkley is understood to be under contract with Turner for the next three years, earning over $43 million, and admitted he expected "blowback" from the network if he pursues the LIV Golf broadcasting opportunity.
"I think he (Norman) thinks they are going to get a TV deal," Barkley said. "I'm pretty sure they are going to get a TV deal also. Somebody is going to step forward at some point.
"I think (the potential role) is kind of a smorgasbord of different things, to be honest with you. I don't think it is one thing in particular, but I think the main thing is using my personality "
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