Charles Barkley Criticizes Troy Aikman's Reaction to Joe Buck's ESPN Contract

Charles Barkley has expressed disappointment with Troy Aikman's response to Joe Buck's recent contract extension with ESPN, asserting that Buck is not obligated to negotiate Aikman's deal. ESPN reportedly offered Buck a six-year, $108 million contract to continue as the voice of "Monday Night Football." Aikman, whose current contract expires after the Super Bowl, has stated he has not yet received any communication from ESPN regarding a new agreement.

Reports indicate that Aikman and Buck had a contentious exchange before a recent game, with Aikman allegedly telling Buck, "You f—ked me over!" One source described Aikman's sentiment as feeling "the ultimate act of betrayal." The pair has worked together in broadcasting since 2002, initially at Fox.

Barkley shared his perspective on the situation, stating, "I’m very disappointed in Troy Aikman. Honestly, it’s not Joe Buck’s job to get him a deal. Like, he can’t tell them to give him a deal." Barkley added, "Now if he wants to talk to Joe privately, that’s fine. But why are you mad? They gave Joe a deal. It looks like they don’t want to give you a deal, which they don’t have to give you a deal. But you don’t have to drag Joe Buck into it. Like, it ain’t his job."

Barkley also pointed out the history of their transitions, noting that Aikman was the one who left Fox in 2022 for ESPN, with Buck following suit weeks later after Fox permitted him to leave his contract. Aikman had an opt-out clause in his Fox contract, which he used to secure a five-year, $90 million deal with ESPN, while Buck still had a year remaining on his Fox deal and required the network's permission to depart.

Aikman has publicly discussed his contract situation, indicating that his tenure with ESPN might conclude after the Super Bowl. He has also been involved as a consultant for the Miami Dolphins during their recent general manager and coaching searches, though he does not have a formal, ongoing agreement with the team. Amidst these contract disputes and career uncertainties for Aikman, other prominent broadcasting roles are being filled, with JJ Watt recently securing a long-term deal with CBS, Tom Brady and Cris Collinsworth established at Fox and NBC respectively, and Kirk Herbstreit agreeing to a new contract with Amazon's "Thursday Night Football."