Charles Barkley is stuck between a rock and a hard place.
The NBA analyst and former Auburn basketball star has his two biggest rivals – Alabama and Georgia – facing off Monday for the College Football Playoff national championship.
What’s a guy to do?
On Thursday’s edition of “Inside the NBA,” Barkley hit the popular “guarantee” button when he made his pick.
But, before he made his pick, he was met with some persuasive arguments from famous Georgia alumni pleading with the former NBA great not to pick the Bulldogs, who are a three-point favorite.
“I speak for all University of Georgia fans,” “Inside the NBA” host Ernie Johnson said, “let’s hope and pray Charles Barkley does not pick the University of Georgia to win the national championship.”
He wasn’t alone.
NBC Sports’ Maria Taylor, who attended Georgia from 2005-2009, added, “We don’t need that bad luck and, oh yeah, what bowl game is Auburn playing in?”
The Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards, who played at Georgia from 2019-2020, pointed out that “every time you bet on us, we lose.”
In the end, Barkley hit the buzzer.
“The Georgia Bulldogs are going to win the national championship,” he exclaimed. “Guaranteed.”
He simply said, “It’s their time.”
Check it out.
Mark Heim is a sports reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.
