Charles Barkley's close friendship with Michael Jordan changed after he criticized Jordan's management of the Charlotte Hornets.
Barkley discussed his falling out with Jordan on the latest episode of the podcast "That's What She Said with Sarah Spain," explaining that while he misses their friendship, he won't apologize for doing his job.
"I love Michael like a brother, and I miss Michael. He's the greatest basketball ever and I wish him nothing but the best. But you know, I gotta do my job," Barkley said. "I can't criticize other people who run basketball teams and give one of my best friends a pass.
"The thing that really sucks about the whole thing - I really just said that Michael did not hire enough strong people around him. Because every famous person has to have the same worries, 'cause you buy all the dinners, you buy all the drinks, they're on your private jet. The key is having enough people around you who are gonna be honest with you and say, 'Hey, you shouldn't do this. You shouldn't do that.' And that's the reason you see a lot of famous people fail, 'cause everybody around you is on the payroll."
Barkley was also asked about the upcoming Jordan documentary series "The Last Dance" and whether he thinks viewers will get to see a new side to the NBA legend.
"I doubt it," Barkley sad. "I'm not sure he's going to open up to anybody. He's very guarded, and I can understand that."
"The Last Dance" premieres Sunday on ESPN.
