In a throwback to the early 1990s, former NBA stars Charles Barkley and Mark Jackson reminisced about a memorable encounter in NBA Commissioner David Stern"s office after a game between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers.
During a Knicks-Sixers matchup, Barkley engaged in his trademark trash talk, challenging Jackson with a bet related to their on-court performance.
"I bet you he won’t throw us out the league"
— 😂 Charles Barkley to Mark Jackson in NBA Commissioner David Stern’s office in 1990 after Stern threatened to throw them out of the league for "I bet you I’ll make this shot" trash talk during a Knicks-Sixers game pic.twitter.com/lXlhGdneBm
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) March 22, 2024
Jackson, recalling the incident, described how he and Barkley engaged in spirited banter throughout the game, with both players delivering on-court performances to match their verbal jabs.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn when media reports emerged suggesting that Jackson and Barkley had placed bets on the outcome of the game.
The headlines sparked the attention of Commissioner Stern, who promptly summoned Barkley and Jackson to the NBA headquarters in New York City.
Reflecting on the tense meeting in Stern"s office, Jackson recounted the commissioner"s stern warning against any form of betting in basketball, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue and the potential consequences for violating league rules.
