Billy Ray Bates wasn’t just another baller. Nicknamed the ‘Black Superman,’ Bates became a PBA icon. His NBA stint lasted only 98 games, but in the Philippines, he averaged a record 46.2 PPG! There’s a reason for his legend status on the PBA. He is a classic example of a case of “what could’ve been” story in NBA history. But who could’ve predicted that decades after his PBA reign, Bates’s name would reappear—not on the court, but in a studio?
That’s what makes the Inside the NBA moment so jarring. The TNT crew—Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson—often feels more like friends chatting at a bar than just sports analysts. Their charm lies in the chemistry, the off-script laughs, and the ridiculous tangents. Whether it’s Shaq roasting Barkley’s golf swing or Chuck ranting about San Francisco’s homeless problem, you never know where they’ll go next. But this time, their unscripted chaos might’ve gone a step too far.
It all started during a light segment about playoff bench scoring. Charles Barkley, in his usual casual tone, brought up Bates. “Billy Ray Bates, man. I remember him.” What followed was unexpected. “I wonder if he’s still alive,” Barkley quipped—then realized how that sounded. There ensued a pin-drop silence as the crew sat agape at the question that was just asked. Kenny Smith tried to stop him quickly, saying some questions are better whispered. Even Ernie Johnson chimed in, hinting that Barkley should’ve checked before asking on air. But it was too late; the moment had already gone sideways.
Apr 6, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Charles Barkley reacts in the second half in the semifinals of the 2019 men’s Final Four between the Virginia Cavaliers and Auburn Tigers at US Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
The conversation got even more awkward when Shaquille O’Neal added, “Unfortunately, he passed away.” That was a mistake. Billy Ray Bates is still alive. Barkley defended himself, saying he didn’t mean harm. “I just asked a question,” he said. But the crew wasn’t having it. Kenny barked back, “You ever heard of ‘koof’? The word? You don’t have any,” chiding Barkley for poor vetting. Chuck ended up apologizing, “Oh, forgive me. Forgive me, y’all.” From talk of social skills to jokes about manners, the segment spiraled fast. What was meant to be a tribute turned into a trainwreck, and it all happened live.
This is a developing story…
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