Charles Barkley says he wants ESPN to fire him after Cardi B halftime joke

During Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden, former NBA star and ESPN analyst Charles Barkley made a joke about rapper Cardi B’s halftime performance, commenting on her figure.

After the remarks drew criticism, Barkley appeared on Fox Sports Radio and on "The Dan Patrick Show" where he said, "I’m hoping they fire me," and added that he has six or seven years left on his contract and would like to be paid out for that period. He also told critics, "People can’t take a joke? They can kiss my ass."

The Knicks were leading the series 3‑1 and were on the verge of winning their first championship since 1973.