Share this @internewscast.com
On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the NBA on TNT team was all set for the Eastern Conference clash between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks. As expected, Charles Barkley quickly became the center of attention—not only for his comments on air but also for a few things he said without realizing the mic was live.
Just before the game began, Barkley shared his admiration for a player he believes deserves far more recognition. According to the basketball legend, the true driving force behind the Pacers’ unexpected playoff success isn’t Tyrese Haliburton, but rather Pascal Siakam.
“I like Haliburton, but the only reason the Pacers are here is Siakam,” Charles stated. “I believe he’s the most underrated player in the NBA. He stands out as the top player on their squad. And let me say again, he’s the most underrated player in the league. Draymond and I were discussing it, and we both agree that Siakam is one of the rare talents who doesn’t need plays called for him, yet he can still score 26 points. His skillset is so unique; he plays with such finesse.”
Siakam got his flowers, but the celebration didnât last long. Moments later, Barkley shifted gears to another pet peeve: Lu Dort being snubbedâagainâfrom the NBAâs All-Defensive teams. And this time, Chuck really let it fly.
âThose guys who vote on that donât know what the f*** theyâre doing,” Barkley saidâclearly thinking the show had already cut to commercial.
Spoiler alert: it had not.
TNT didnât mute the mics in time, and Barkleyâs unfiltered opinion hit live TV in all its glory. Naturally, the internet had a field day.
âCharles Barkley dropping the f bomb as Inside the NBA goes to commercial ðððððð,â one fan posted.
âCharles Barkley dropping the F bomb right before commercial break lmao,â chimed in another.
âCharles Barkley thought they went to commercial and dropped an F bomb on live TV lmaoooo Chuck was referring to Lu Dort never making an All-Defensive team,â added a third.
From the looks of it, Barkley and co-host Ernie Johnson likely assumed their mics were cold. Johnson didnât even flinch when Barkley let it rip, which usually means one thingâthey thought they were off the clock.
And while Chuckâs hot mic moment was clearly unintended, it wouldnât be NBA on TNT without a little chaos. After all, this is the same show where an Emmy-winning broadcast can pivot from basketball breakdowns to bleep-worthy bloopers in the blink of an eye.
Pascal Siakam might be underrated, but Charles Barkley going full uncensored on live TV? Now that’s something you don’t see every day.
