Charles Barkley Isn’t Done Roasting Shaq Over Kash Patel Connection on Inside the NBA

A debate sparks the exchange

A clip from The Steam Room, the podcast hosted by Ernie Johnson and Barkley, aired on Inside the NBA on Wednesday night. A listener had asked Barkley who would win a fight between Shaq and Steven Adams.

Barkley picked Adams, pointing to his 17 siblings as evidence of plenty of fighting at home. Johnson suggested Shaq might object to being dismissed, and Shaq soon made his position clear.

Shaq names a fight date

After the clip, Shaq held up a piece of paper marked “May 19” and challenged Barkley to fight in the coming year. Shaq said Barkley could not challenge the champion and declared himself the “lord supreme of the big dumb battles.” Shaq also said he would take on Adams after Barkley. Barkley reached for his phone, and when Shaq asked whether he was calling the police, Barkley answered, “Kash Patel.”

A reference to Patel

Barkley then said Patel was not available. The joke referred to Shaq’s September interaction with FBI Director Kash Patel, during which Shaq was named an honorary FBI Special Agent.

The story noted that Shaq has previously been teased for his friendship with Patel. It also said the exchange landed after the Trump administration’s losses on Election Day on Tuesday.

The show’s uncertain future

Johnson announced he would leave Inside the NBA after this season, ending a run at the desk that has lasted nearly four decades. Barkley may also depart, though he has suggested that before.

The show could continue under the same name, but its current version may be ending. Its hosts’ banter and evident affection for one another have been central to its appeal, and moments like Wednesday’s add to its highlight reel.