Charles Barkley Criticizes Aikman Over Reported Buck Dispute

Charles Barkley criticized Troy Aikman over reports of tension between Aikman and longtime broadcast partner Joe Buck, saying Buck was not responsible for securing Aikman a contract with ESPN. Barkley made the remarks during a Philadelphia radio appearance as Aikman’s future with the network remains unsettled. Barkley said he was disappointed in Aikman for reportedly directing frustration at Buck after Buck agreed to an ESPN extension. He argued that ESPN, not Buck, decides whether to offer Aikman a new deal, and said Aikman could discuss the matter privately with his colleague rather than blame him. Reports say the dispute followed Buck’s agreement to a multiyear extension in May 2026, which became public in September. The reported terms vary in precision: one account put the deal at six years and $108 million, while another described it as six years and $100 million. ESPN has not publicly confirmed the terms. Aikman reportedly learned of the agreement after it was made without his involvement, though when he learned about it is not established. The accounts of a confrontation before the October 12, 2026, Monday Night Football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo...