During the halftime show of the NCAA Championship game on April 9, 2024, a recent solar eclipse in the US became a topic of conversation. Charles Barkley, a former NBA player turned broadcaster, made a controversial statement about the people who watched the eclipse.
Charles called those who went outside to see the eclipse “losers." His reasoning was that it"s just darkness, something everyone has experienced before. He also playfully argued that waiting outside for darkness is silly.
"Were y’all some of them losers standing outside watching that [the eclipse] today?" Barkley questioned his co-hosts Kenny Smith, Ernie Johnson, Clark Kellogg and Jay Wright.
Ernie Johnson, the show"s host, and other panelists disagreed with Barkley. Johnson pointed out the significance of the eclipse, while others found humor in Barkley"s bluntness.
"Were ya'll some of them losers standing outside watching [the eclipse] today?" – Charles Barkley
"They're not losers." – Ernie Johnson
"Yes they are. Hey, we've all seen darkness before. Stop it." – Chuck
"Come on, Chuckster. Don't hate on the eclipse." – Ernie pic.twitter.com/u0lU3dS3T9
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 9, 2024
Charles Barkley carved out a 16-year career in the NBA, suiting up for the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets. He was one of the best power forwards ever despite his shorter stature. He racked up accolades as an 11-time All-Star, the 1993 MVP, and a member of the NBA"s elite anniversary teams. His enshrinement in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006 cemented his legacy. Barkley"s outspoken personality found a new platform after retirement, as he transitioned to a successful broadcasting career with TNT and CBS Sports.
The total solar eclipse that captivated audiences across North America occurred yesterday, on April 8, 2024. It was a rare and spectacular event, with the moon completely blocking the sun for several minutes along a path stretching from Mexico through the United States and into Canada.
Millions of people gathered in the path of totality to witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon. The sky went dark, stars became visible, and the sun"s corona, its outer atmosphere, could be seen. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many.
The path of totality, where the total eclipse was visible, was narrow, ranging from 50 to 167 kilometers wide. The duration of totality, the time when the sun was completely blocked, varied depending on location, but it lasted for up to four minutes and 23 seconds at its maximum. Outside the path of totality, a partial eclipse was visible. In these areas, the moon only covered part of the sun.
The next total solar eclipse visible from North America won"t happen until August 23, 2044, so this was a truly special event.
