CNN reportedly offered Charles Barkley a deal to host his own show six months ago, but he declined due to a lack of interest. However, the network presented him with a unique opportunity that the retired NBA player is now contemplating.
In an interview Tuesday on the “Bickley & Marotta” show on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, Barkley discussed his potential role at CNN and mentioned that he intends to cut back on his TV appearances. He further stated that if he were to take a position at CNN, it would be a weekly commitment.
“I don’t want to be on TV more; CNN is struggling,” he said. “And then they (CNN) said, but what about with Gayle King? Gayle is one of the people I admire and respect; I like her a lot. I’ve known her for years through my relationship with Oprah, and she’s just cool.
Barkley added that the show would start in the fall. King is reportedly finalizing a deal of her own with CNN.
“I told them let me and Gayle spend some time together because she has a real job; she’s on every morning. What makes you guys think she wants to do more? This opportunity happened because the new guy [Chris Licht] was Gayle’s old boss at CNN.”
Licht, who previously worked as an executive producer at CBS, was responsible for bringing King to the “CBS Mornings” show. Licht approached King with his proposal for her role at CNN.
“Me and Gayle got together at the [NBA] all-star game, and she told me she would consider hosting a show with me because we have so much fun together,” added Barkley. “We’re going to spend some time over the summer talking about it, but there’s nothing imminent. It will be like whatever the hell is going on in the world. The funny thing about it is crazy stuff happens every day.”
Barkley expressed disgust with the current state of politics. He also shared sorrow for the mass shooting victims in Nashville, Tennessee.
