What did former NBA star Charles Barkley say about joining LIV Golf?

Former NBA MVP Charles Barkley has made quite the career for himself after basketball. Despite being incredibly accomplished on the court, he might be better known as a world-class broadcaster by many people.

He's been working with TNT for several years now, most notably on their basketball show with Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O'Neal.

He was recently approached about joining LIV Golf, the budding new golf league trying to compete with the PGA Tour, as a broadcaster.

Barkley is an avid golfer, so the connection makes perfect sense and would be a great hire for LIV.

Unfortunately, according to ESPN, the retired NBA All-Star turned LIV Golf down:

"I want to thank Greg Norman and LIV for their interest in me. I wish those guys great success and nothing but the best. But, in my best interest, and being fair to Turner -- because Turner and basketball have given me every single thing in my life -- it is best for me to move on, and I'm staying with Turner for the rest of my TV career."

Barkley is intent on finishing his career with TNT, where he has made quite the name in broadcasting for himself.

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Did Charles Barkley ever consider joining LIV Golf?

For many, LIV Golf carries a negative connotation. It's considered to be less than and not as prestigious as the PGA Tour. It probably doesn't help that the league has often thrown loads of money at players to try and get them to defect (Tiger Woods declined an $800 billion deal).

LIV Golf Invitational - Chicago - Day Three

However, according to Barkley, that didn't play a role at all:

"Everybody's making up words like 'sportswashing' and 'dirty money.' I'm like, listen, if you play sports, we all take money from some sources you might not love or appreciate."

For the former NBA player, money is money, and that's all he cares about:

"I don't want to be a hypocrite. These guys [LIV golfers] are trying to make a living. I wish them nothing but the best. Same thing with my friends on the PGA Tour. But everybody is just kinda like trying to play the moral card. For some reason, everyone wants to place selective outrage. I'm never going to let that happen on my watch."

Prior to declining the deal, the TNT broadcaster seemed ready to join LIV Golf:

"I met with Greg, and I told him 'yes.' I'm in a win-win situation. If they offer me something good, that's great. If they don't, I've got a great job at TNT."

That didn't happen and given how Barkley has spoken about it in the past, it can reasonably be assumed that the deal wasn't good enough, or that the TNT broadcaster realized he didn't want to go through a major career change at this point.

LIV Golf is trying to make a name for itself and, at least, get on the same level as the PGA Tour and signing big names to be attached to it, like the former NBA MVP, is a good start.

If you use any of the above quotes, please credit ESPN and H/T Sportskeeda.