Former ESPN host Michelle Beadle agrees with Charles Barkley’s recent sharp criticism of ESPN and the Los Angeles Lakers, asserting that his remarks are accurate.
During a segment, the NBA Hall of Famer specifically took aim at analyst Kendrick Perkins, calling him “an idiot and a fool” for suggesting that pairing LeBron James with Luka Dončić would “save the NBA.” Barkley dismissed the idea, emphasizing that the Lakers had merely experienced a strong two-week stretch.
He also mocked ESPN’s coverage, stating, “They said the Lakers saved the NBA season, and those fools on the other network—which we’re going to be working for next year—that’s all they talk about.”
Beadle, speaking on Mad Dog Sports Radio alongside co-host Cody Decker, echoed Barkley’s sentiments by revealing that ESPN pressured its hosts to focus heavily on certain teams, particularly the Lakers and the Dallas Cowboys.
“I worked there. We had to just always talk about the Lakers,” Beadle explained. “We always talked about the Cowboys. It’s brain-numbing, formulated bulls—. There were days it was like, ‘How are we forcing a story about this? There are actually stories that people might care about.’”
She acknowledged the network’s global reach and understood its strategy of catering to high-profile teams and players but maintained that Barkley was correct in his critique.
“There are fun stories happening right now,”she added.
Beadle has been outspoken about LeBron James in the past. In 2021, she alleged that James attempted to have her fired from ESPN after she mocked The Decision his 2010 televised special announcing his move to the Miami Heat.
Expressing her appreciation for Barkley’s direct approach, Beadle said, “I just love that Barkley calls people by name. I respect that.”She also commented on Perkins’ response to Barkley’s criticism, predicting that the situation would ultimately result in no real conflict. “We all know nothing’s gonna come of this. There’s gonna be a lot of hugging-it-out stuff when they see each other. It always is. I wish people held grudges like I hold grudges.”
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