NBA legend Charles Barkley revealed he is openly hoping ESPN fires him following a controversial on-air joke about rapper Cardi B. The outspoken analyst made the blunt admission during a Wednesday appearance on Fox Sports Radio. He explained that a sudden termination would actually benefit him financially.
"I'm hoping they fire me," Barkley joked during the radio broadcast. "I got six or seven years left on my contract that they know I got no chance of doing. I would love for them to fire me and have to pay me for the next six or seven years."
"Dan, you know I'm hoping they fire me. I got 6 or 7 years left on my contract that they know I've got no chance of doing. I would love for them to fire me and have to pay me for the next 6 or 7 years." 😅
– Charles Barkley on his "Cardi D's" comment pic.twitter.com/0tc5GYv3s8
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) June 10, 2026
The initial controversy erupted during Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. While the halftime show broadcasted a live feed of Cardi B performing on the court, Barkley quickly drew a mix of laughter and surprise from his co-hosts. He decided to make a racy observation about her physical appearance.
"I don't know if those are B's. They might be Cardi D's," Barkley laughed on air. "I'm pretty sure those aren't B's. She's got the wrong initials."
Charles Barkley references Cardi B’s breasts as Cardi Ds!! 😂😂
How long before he’s made to apologize? https://t.co/7YiWwHU23b
— Shemeka Michelle (@ShemekaMichelle) June 9, 2026
The popular analyst made it clear that he has no intention of working through the remainder of his long-term contract. "I would love to get fired, I'm not gonna lie. Because there's zero chance I'm gonna be working the next six or seven years, zero," Barkley continued on Wednesday.
Barkley then delivered a fierce message to oversensitive critics who took offense to the late-night comedy bit. "Come on, man. People can't take a joke? They can kiss my ass. I appreciate all the support I've gotten all these years, but if anybody thinks everybody likes them, they're a fool. So if people don't like me or don't have a sense of humor, they can kiss my ass. My whole ass, not just one cheek. The whole ass."
Barkley has frequently joked about finding creative ways to lose his job over the years. However, he still appears to genuinely enjoy his studio work on Inside the NBA. The beloved show is currently serving as the official pregame and postgame show for the NBA Finals.
In a unique broadcast arrangement, Barkley is able to appear on ESPN platforms without actually being employed by the company. Inside the NBA remains a TNT production that ESPN licenses without direct editorial control. This setup gives the unfiltered crew total freedom from standard corporate oversight.