Charles Barkley has had an excellent career, first as a basketball player and then as an analyst. Now in his early 60’s, the “Round Mound of Rebound” is looking towards his future with the ‘Inside the NBA’ crew. But in the midst of this NBA season, he was surprised by a gesture from the US Army.
The ‘Inside the NBA’ show hosted their first episode of The Steam Room podcast this week. As host Ernie Johnson and the former league MVP started talking, Barkley chose to give a shout out to the United States military veterans.
He mentioned that he was grateful for their service and for helping him and other Americans sleep peacefully. The production crew, though, had something up their sleeve later on in the show. As the two prepared to receive calls from fans, one particular call threw the 61-year-old off-guard.
The latest morale booster in the Middle East. He’s a very large rubber duck, and his name is Charles Duckley. Charles has been such a hit with the unit and has been given the opportunity to be promoted from private to private 2nd class. And it only felt right to name this massive duck after the Round Mound of Rebound.
Matt on a call to The Steam Room
This person, Matt, announced himself as a sergeant with the US Army who had just returned from the Middle East. The fact that he revealed that they have a large rubber duck and have named it after Charles Barkley had Ernie Johnson beaming. After all, Barkley’s association with rubber ducks was established on the show last season.
Charles Barkley sends his gratitude to veterans
Even after the call ended, Ernie Johnson had a smile on his face as it seemed that the US Army sergeant and his fellow soldiers were feeding off videos of Charles Barkley and the Inside the NBA crew to boost their morale. The Hall of Famer, though, said this after the call.
Wow. First of all, I’m so glad that I was shouted at the veterans. I have so much admiration and respect. But that’s a nice compliment. I wanna thank you for your service.
Charles Barkley responding on The Steam Room
Charles Barkley was grateful that those fighting for the country thought about him. In the same episode, he also gave new President elect Donald Trump his flowers for winning the election. Being a long-time critic, he congratulated Trump for winning it fair and square.
With Inside the NBA running on TNT for the last time, all eyes were on everyone’s future. After constant rumors, it came to light that TNT will continue to produce the show, but ESPN will broadcast it. However, what happens to The Steam Room is unknown at this point.
