NBA Star Charles Barkley Loses Cool on Air, Takes a Jab at NFL Commissioner

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90s basketball legend and current analyst Charles Barkley didn’t hold back on Christmas Day, letting viewers know exactly how he felt. In his eyes, this traditionally “NBA-only” day is being hijacked, and it’s not just about scheduling—it’s about protecting the league’s identity and legacy.

This year, the NBA featured five big matchups, including teams like the Knicks, Lakers, Warriors, and Nuggets. At the same time, the NFL streamed three games on Netflix. According to Barkley, this “Christmas takeover” is completely unacceptable. On Inside the NBA, he said:

Charles Barkley calls out Roger Goodell

"The NFL got greedy and started adding Christmas games. We used to have this day to ourself but Roger Goodell and them pigs at the NFL always want to hog every day of the week now. … Christmas is an NBA day." 😳

(Via @TheSteinLine ) pic.twitter.com/64mnD92v4m
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 25, 2025

When Barkley went full “real talk” mode, the fun began. For the NBA, Christmas has always meant glitz, glamour, and packed ratings. Now, the NFL is crowding that spotlight. For Barkley, it’s more than just a scheduling conflict—it’s a fight to protect the NBA’s traditions.

Meanwhile, the NFL is confident that Christmas games are another chance to capture viewers, even when some teams are missing key quarterbacks. But from Barkley’s perspective, this day belongs to the NBA—period.

In short, this year’s Christmas showdown between NBA and NFL has Barkley acting as both player and fan, making sure the league he loves doesn’t get sidelined.

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