“I’ll Be Retired, Black, And a Multimillionaire”: Charles Barkley Once Vehemently Rejected the Prospect of NBA Coaching

Charles Barkley entered the league in 1984 as the fifth overall pick in the NBA draft and immediately attracted attention. Known for his rebounding and scoring ability, Chuck went on to win the Most Valuable Player award in the league in 1993. On the back of his success in the NBA and knowledge of the game, he became an analyst after retirement and has since accumulated a hefty net worth. However, as mentioned in the 1995 book – ‘Sir Charles: Wit and Wisdom‘, Barkley did not want to pass on that knowledge through coaching.

Charles has become a prominent figure on national television due to his appearance on the famous NBA show – ‘NBA on TNT’. Along with Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, and Kenny Smith, he provides his analysis of the games and happenings around the league regularly. And he won’t be giving it up for a coaching job in the NBA.

Charles Barkley did not want to coach for very specific reasons

Charles Barkley is known to entertain fans with his crude statements that often cross the line of political correctness. He is not afraid to speak his mind and has even attracted flak for his comments several times. However, fans love him for being his honest self, and it has earned him millions over the decades.

So, when he was asked whether he would like to be a coach in the future back during his playing days, here is what he said on the issue. Rick Reilly quotes the Chuckster’s remarks in the book, ‘Sir Charles: Wit and Wisdom of Charles Barkley‘:

Question asked to Chuck: Whether he would coach sometime down the line just like Paul Westphal is doing after having played for the Suns:

“No, I’ll be retired. I’ll be a black—oh, I’m sorry—a multimillionaire,” said Charles Barkley.

Charles Barkley refused to walk in the footsteps of his former coach – Paul Westphal, who played for the Phenix Suns before accepting the job as their head coach. During his tenure, Westphal took the Charles Barkley-led Suns to the NBA finals, but was defeated by Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. And while the Chuckster could’ve done the same thing, it is far more fun watching him on TNT’s Inside the NBA.

Charles Barkley’s contract with Turner Sports

Arguably the best sports show on television, ‘Inside the NBA’ would not be what it is if not for the panelists. The chemistry between Charles, Kenny, Shaq, and Ernie resonates around the world and makes for incredible TV. Though all four are equally responsible for the success of the show, Barkley is clearly the fan favorite. And this acceptance by the fans has earned him a multi-million dollar extension.

Charles signed an extension with Turner Sports that is possibly worth 200 million dollars and will run over the next ten years. This predictably delighted fans, especially those who were not ready for the crew to break up. The contract also guarantees his presence on the show till the age of 70. So, when Charles said he would retire a multi-millionaire, he was not joking around.