Charles Barkley RETIRES! NBA icon makes stunning announcement that he is leaving TV after 24 years as NBA analyst
NBA legend Charles Barkley has made the shock decision to retire from television, revealing that next season will be his 25th and final year as an analyst.
The former Philadelphia 76ers star, 61, has been an on-screen TV personality on Inside the NBA since 2000, and his news comes alongside the controversial decision to axe the show from the end of next season.
Speaking after the NBA Finals Game 4 between the Celtic and Mavericks, Barkley said: 'I've been thinking guys... I want to say this, because you guys are my family.
'I really love TNT, all the people who work here, NBA television, you guys have been great to me for 24 years. I want to say thank you to my entire NBA family, I love you guys. There's been a lot of noise around our network the last few months.
'I just want to say, I've talked to all the other networks, but I ain't going nowhere other than TNT... but I have made the decision myself, no matter what happens, next year is going to be my last year on television.
Charles Barkley appeared on NBA TV to announce he is retiring from television next year
'My heart is full of joy and gratitude, but I'm going to pass the baton at the end of next year. I hope the NBA stays with TNT but for me personally, I wanted you to hear it from me.'
Barkley then went on to insist he will do no further interviews on the matter.