Charles Barkley Disappointed in Troy Aikman Amid 'Monday Night Football' Booth Drama

NBA legend and broadcaster Charles Barkley has voiced his disappointment with Troy Aikman regarding the reported friction between the "Monday Night Football" broadcast partners. Barkley stated that he is "very disappointed" in Aikman for involving play-by-play announcer Joe Buck in his contract negotiations with ESPN.

Reports have surfaced regarding tension in the booth between Buck and Aikman, with Buck recently signing a significant contract extension with ESPN. Aikman is reportedly still in negotiations with the network, which is set to broadcast its first Super Bowl with the duo in February.

Speaking on Philadelphia sports station 97.5 The Fanatic, Barkley asserted that it is not Buck's responsibility to secure Aikman's deal. "It's not Joe Buck's job to get him a deal," Barkley said, as reported by Awful Announcing. "Like, he can’t tell them to give him a deal. 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 acknowledged that Aikman might be frustrated by the situation but emphasized that Buck secured his own contract, and Aikman cannot fault him for signing it. "When he went there first, you didn't negotiate with him. Remember? He left the network first," Barkley added, referencing Buck's earlier move to ESPN.

Barkley noted that Buck and Aikman have been partners for 25 years, suggesting that while they may enjoy working together, they might also be seeking different professional paths. He reiterated that Aikman's frustration should not be directed at Buck, as Buck is not involved in negotiating Aikman's contract.