Charles Barkley has had a dramatic change of heart when it comes to Stephen A. Smith's political ambitions. Just two years ago, the NBA legend was all in on the idea of the First Take host running for the highest office in the land. Now? Not so much.
During a recent appearance on Pablo Torre Finds Out, Barkley was asked whether he'd support Smith as the Democratic vice presidential pick in 2028. The Hall of Famer didn't mince words.
"Stephen A.? No (expletive) way," Barkley said, according to the podcast. The emphatic rejection marks a stark contrast to his earlier endorsement, when he told Smith, "Yes, because I know you don't have an evil bone in your body, and I don't think you have an agenda."
The podcast, hosted by former ESPN journalist Pablo Torre, explored how athletes and sportscasters are polling in political races. Barkley himself registered a modest 3% in the hypothetical Democratic vice president contest, while Smith fared slightly better at 7%. Barkley shrugged off his own numbers, insisting he's not interested in a second career in politics.
But the about-face on Smith raises questions. What changed? Barkley didn't elaborate, but the former Philadelphia 76ers star has never been shy about speaking his mind. His blunt style has made him a beloved figure in sports media, and this latest comment is sure to fuel speculation about his relationship with Smith.
Barkley has flirted with politics before, once musing about running for governor of Alabama. He ultimately walked away, citing the frustration of dealing with people who don't care. "Listen, man, I am not gonna go to work with fools every day that don't care," he said at the time.
Smith, for his part, has not officially declared any political aspirations, but his name has been floated in recent months. The idea of a media personality transitioning to politics isn't new, but Barkley's reversal suggests he's not on board with that particular crossover.
Fans and pundits are already weighing in, with some pointing to Smith's recent dinner with Donald Trump as a potential factor in Barkley's change of heart. Others see it as simply Barkley being Barkley—unpredictable and unfiltered.
Meanwhile, Barkley's own legacy in sports remains untouchable. He's been a vocal leader both on and off the court, and his blunt takes have made him a staple of basketball commentary. Whether he'd ever truly consider a political run is anyone's guess, but for now, he's made it clear he wants no part of a Smith administration.
As the 2028 election cycle looms, the sports world will be watching to see if Stephen A. Smith makes a move. But if he does, he can count on at least one prominent detractor: Charles Barkley.
