Could you have imagined the hot takes coming from people criticizing him for missing a playoff game? I think the vast majority of people would have been respectful, but there would have been a very vocal, albeit very small, minority that would have been questioning his commitment to the team.

Yeah, there is a certain amount of pleasure people get (in a sick, voyeuristic way) from watching the suffering of others. It goes beyond sports, and you see it in our news and politics all the time. Negative news, and controversy, sells way better than positive news. You hear all the ways that our society is worse…

That’s fair. One point you made that I definitely agree with is that Barkley never seems to care what ramifications come from half the things he says anyway. Him tripping over his words, while not uncommon from him, is never done to restrain himself. I still don’t have problems with the use of the personal pronouns,…

I see those as more verbal crutches than anything. He’s an analyst paid to give HIS opinion. He should have said what he meant, but I bet what he meant was “get those fucking cameras away from him.” He can’t say that about his employer, and even if he did, then you would have people accusing him of stealing spotlight…

I agree with you. That’s why it felt uncomfortable. Of course, he has to grieve how he needs to. That’s no one’s choice but his. But, it DID feel voyeuristic. Like, I didn’t feel like I should have been a part of the grief the way that I felt the fans were a part of, say, Fernandez’s death. I can’t put my finger on…

Your examples are great, but there was just something different about this one. And not in a good way. I WANTED Thomas to sit this one out, if only because I couldn’t imagine playing myself. I say this as a Met fan, but Gordon hitting that home run is one of the most poignant moments I’ve ever witnessed, and I’ll…

He’s paid to speak. To offer his commentary and analysis. I often hate when people excuse the media for being obnoxious (post/pre/in-game interviews being the dumbest things ever) just because “it’s their job.” But Barkley wasn’t being obnoxious. You want him just to stare at the camera and say nothing for 30 seconds?…

Yeah, ultimately, he wanted to express how shitty the situation is and point out that we shouldn’t be seeing this. I don’t think he’s afraid of TNT, but rather, doesn’t want to directly call out the network just out of professional responsibility, just as you said. But, if that was his point, than he’s right: I don’t…

Yeah, he should have been more clear. And let’s say his point WAS “Isaiah should give himself time to grieve.” I would disagree with that as well, for the exact reason you gave, but I don’t think that’s a terribly bad statement. It would certainly be coming from a good place, as he would be saying “your sister died,…

For sure, that is his job, and he is as well-known (and I’d imagine, as well-paid) an analyst as there is any sport, but it’s a bit of a double-edged sword, in Barkley’s case at least. He’s as well-known and as well-paid as he is because he makes off-the-cuff statements that seem, well, “real” to people. He isn’t…

Yeah, I went too far to hedge my statements. I do think that’s what Barkley meant, and that’s definitely how I felt. The networks, the advertisers, the league, even many fans all want the drama, when really all anyone should want is for Thomas to find the peace he needs in this time.

I hate Bryce Harper, but at least respect his ability. I hate Phillies fans, but at least respect their passion. So, yes, I think he’s perfect there.

I thankfully have not experienced that kind of tragedy either, but I couldn’t imagine ever wanting to be at my job if, God forbid, something like that happened to me. There are definitely times when my career is a sweet release from some other pressure of “outside life”, but in a time like that...man, I wouldn’t want…

Yeah, that was my take, but I have to admit, Barkley didn’t make himself terribly clear (but what else is new).

I think you got a point, and I think part of the reason that Barkley’s comments seemed so jumbled (besides that just being his calling card) or even insensitive is that he didn’t want to call out the station DIRECTLY, and was trying to walk a fine line in explaining his feelings on the matter.

I like Barkley, and I know he’s there, in part, to play the “clown” to Smith’s “straight man” (where Shaq fits in in this equation, I’ll never know). But he really does have some interesting insights here and there, and he’s nothing if not refreshingly honest on occasion.

I’m maybe (actually, “probably”) giving Barkley too much credit here, but I took his comments to mean “we shouldn’t be sitting here looking in at his grief. It’s wrong, this guy needs to be with his family, not thrust into being a spectacle for thousands in person, and millions on TV.” Which is how I felt. Maybe he…

“Oh sure, everyone believes HIS tears are real...” - Jay Cutler

To be fair, it was a very stupid question. Do you really think Donald Trump watches hockey after what happened to his favorite team 37 years ago?

He wasn’t bad last season at all