Why is Charles Barkley commentating on hockey?

[Jericho111091]

He's a popular sports figure who seemingly likes hockey and has an entertaining personality

 

[Jason316]

Barkley is an All-American and American legend

For Canadians he's a North AMERICAN legend

On ESPN he said his favorite cities in all of North AMERICA were Toronto, Vancouver and Edmonton!!!!!

I would take Edmonton out and put in Calgary but hey what do I know lol

 

[LokiDog]

Because Chuck says what he thinks, and has the same knowledge base as the average non-HFer tuning in to the finals, but he’s into hockey so… let him entertain.

Also, because who tf cares who is commentating? It’s not like Biz or PK are particularly more insightful. It’s just show biz. Shit, I wish they’d have Barks and Shaq just for the laughs.

 

[Jersey Fan 12]

Because he's funny?

 

[Number 57]

Because America

 

[Ianturnedbull]

No one who played pro sports is allowed to comment on pro sports.

 

[Hasbro]

Hockey fans "we need to grow the sport"

Also Hockey fans "omg why is this super popular black guy commenting on hockey?"

Gatekeepers gotta gatekeep.

 

[a mangy Meowth]

OP loves those big ol' women.

and that dirty ass water

 

[12ozPapa]

Out of all things to question, this ain’t it. As mentioned, he loves hockey and has a great personality, which hockey is barren of. Not everyone loves the bro hockey guys. The NHL should really take advantage of Barkley but they won’t.

 

[HamiltonNHL]

because tnt pays him, might as well use him

Because he's Shaq Hyman.

 

[flying squirrel]

Because Charles Barkley is....

• Very funny.
• So entertaining..
• Smart, honest, and has commonsense insight with most subject matter.
• Loves Hockey and is fan like most of us are.
• Plus, Barkley is just a cool dude many fans would love to have a beer/chat with.
• The NHL, unlike what we're witnessing with a league like WNBA, wants their sport to grow with everyone.
• NHL is unlike some leagues: What we won't see from leagues like WNBA, is bringing in different dude/dudette to promote sport to everyone who might take interest in their game.
• Just comparing how WNBA is reacting to different ethnicity, personalities, sexual preferences, and such. Is quite telling & eye-opening to anyone with honest unbiased views. It's shameful in 2023 we're still witnessing behaviors like this, but here we are....

Kudos NHL for bringing in someone like Barkley who's s so funny, likeable, etc. Plus, having will/want to have everyone sitting and enjoying themselves at same counter. Much kudos.....

 

[Rodgerwilco]

As has been mentioned in the thread, Barkley is a big NHL fan. He is good friends with Lightning head coach Jon Cooper who got him into the sport and Barkley has had a lot of good stuff to say about hockey ever since. You can tell he legitimately loves the sport.

Edit: Plus Barkley has more swagger and personality than pretty much every member of every broadcast panel combined lol.

 

[WildWingz68JAGR]

Ssame reason they brought the cup onto the ice in game 1. So people don't change the channel

 

[IceManCat]

He's a fan who is also a celebrity. This can potentially grow the game, bring in extra attention among several other things. Not sure why anyone would make a thread to question this, holy cannoli.

 

[SeanMoneyHands]

Who's the NHL going to bring in next to commentate? Brock Lesnar? The Rock?

 

[End of Line]

Who's the NHL going to bring in next to commentate? Brock Lesnar? The Rock?

 

[hangman005]

Who's the NHL going to bring in next to commentate? Brock Lesnar? The Rock?

Bring back Snoop

 

[Bradely]

Called entertainment.
NHL is an American League.

For me. I just like listening Charles B!

 

[WaitingForThatCab]

Fans of certain teams: "lol Florida in the finals, this is going to kill ratings. this sucks. told ya"

Same fans: "Why is Charles Barkley trying to drum up interest in the series? gtfo"

 

[TheDawnOfANewTage]

Next time people claim the nhl doesn’t have an inclusivity/race issue show them this!

Really dunno what drives OP’s objection, but what a weird thing to feel strongly about.

 

[Jersey Fan 12]

Bring back Snoop

No! He is neither funny nor a former athlete.

 

[BraveCanadian]

Cause he likes hockey, is famous, and has a personality - unlike most people in hockey.

 

[Golden_Jet]

Just like the title.

Why?

Does so every year, the guy loves hockey he says,
Didn’t he say he like watching more than basketball in the past.
Your questions have been answered,
So next question is, why not?

 

[Dr Pepper]

I would MUCH rather hear Charles Barkley's thoughts on hockey, than Kevin Bieksa's thoughts on basketball.

Think about it.

 

[ManofSteel55]

Just like the title.

Why?

Because he is a well known figure to sports fans in the US, and by having well known sports figures like Barkley and Shaq talking about hockey, it could bring in new fans, which increases ratings for the TV networks that employ those guys.