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Barkley's Cardi B Comment Sparks Backlash, ESPN Holds Firm

6/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Charles Barkley said, “I don’t know if those B’s. Those might be Cardi B’s,” during the NBA Finals, sparking controversy.
Barkley told The Dan Patrick Show he hopes ESPN fires him, dismisses critics as unable to take a joke, and tells them to “kiss my ass.”
Social-media users condemned the remark as sexualised and unprofessional, prompting debate over women’s treatment in sports broadcasting.
ESPN said it took no formal disciplinary action.

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Story summary

Charles Barkley said, “I don’t know if those B’s. Those might be Cardi B’s,” during the NBA Finals, sparking controversy.
Barkley told The Dan Patrick Show he hopes ESPN fires him, dismisses critics as unable to take a joke, and tells them to “kiss my ass.”
Social-media users condemned the remark as sexualised and unprofessional, prompting debate over women’s treatment in sports broadcasting.
ESPN said it took no formal disciplinary action.