TNT plans to bring Charles Barkley back to its “Inside the NBA” studio show soon after Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game, though the network has not picked a specific date.
The decision ends rumors that TNT would bring Barkley back for the coming weekend’s All-Star Game telecasts. Rather, Turner Sports President David Levy said he would make a decision “right after the All-Star Game.”
“He is going to continue to remain on a leave of absence through the All-Star Game. He will not be part of our All-Star Weekend festivities,” Levy said.
Barkley took a leave of absence last month after a Dec. 31 arrest in Scottsdale, Ariz., where he was accused of drunken driving. Police tests showed that Barkley had a blood-alcohol content of .149. The legal limit in Arizona is .08.
Ten days after the arrest, Turner placed the mercurial analyst on a leave of absence, a period that was supposed to last for several weeks.
“It wasn’t a hard decision for me to give him some time off to get his legal matters straight and to get his personal life in order,” Levy said. “The question is, when is the right time to bring him back? There is no magic answer to that. It’s just a gut feel.”
Barkley has been an important part of TNT’s NBA coverage since 2000, with rival network executives crediting his outspoken opinions and oversized personality for helping the studio show win Emmy awards and strong viewer ratings.
TNT’s first NBA telecast after the All-Star Game is a Feb. 19 doubleheader of San Antonio-Detroit and Boston-Utah.
TNT has not decided how Barkley will address his arrest on air.
“We haven’t really thought about it, but I’m sure Charles will have something to say,” Levy said. “What’s really nice is that he’s had so much support from a lot of people in this challenging time for him. He’s humbled a little bit.”
