In a surprising reversal, NBA icon Charles Barkley’s, who once famously shunned social media, has made a debut on Instagram, prompting playful teasing from his colleagues on TNT’s NBA coverage.
During a recent episode of NBA on TNT, analyst Kenny Smith revealed that Barkley had finally joined Instagram, much to the amusement of the panel, including Shaquille O’Neal.
Initially hesitant to confirm, Barkley eventually acknowledged his new social media presence, eliciting laughter from his fellow analysts.
Smith didn’t miss the chance to poke fun at Barkley’s previous stance on social media, referencing the former MVP’s well-known aversion to it.
In his defense, Barkley explained his decision to join Instagram, citing business reasons and admitting he had only been on the platform for a week. His account, under the handle Charles Barkley, already boasts over 70,000 followers and features posts, including promotions for Redmont Vodka, a brand he’s affiliated with.
Chuck finds out what “sliding in the DMs” means 😂 pic.twitter.com/UyNKEbxeAj
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) March 1, 2024
Despite his newfound presence, Barkley confessed to still being a novice on social media, seeking guidance from Smith and O’Neal on navigating the platform.
Barkley’s reluctance towards social media was well-documented, as he previously expressed concerns about negativity and its potentially harmful effects, particularly on young users. In an interview with Gayle King earlier this year, Barkley emphasized his reservations, citing instances of cyberbullying and its tragic consequences.
His sentiments echoed discussions held during a Capitol Hill hearing, where social media executives, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, faced scrutiny over the impact of their platforms on mental health, particularly among teenagers.
Charles Barkley’s unexpected foray into Instagram marks a significant departure from his previous stance, inviting both amusement and curiosity from his peers and followers alike.
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