Charles Barkley Criticizes NFL for Christmas Day Intrusion
Charles Barkley has never been one to shy away from voicing his opinions, and this holiday season is no exception. The former NBA star made his feelings known regarding the NFL’s growing presence on Christmas Day during ESPN’s NBA pregame show.
A Shift in Tradition
Christmas Day has long been synonymous with the NBA, a time when the league showcases its brightest stars and most compelling matchups. Historically, other major sports leagues respected this day, opting to take a backseat. However, the NFL has increasingly encroached on this territory in recent years, culminating in three games scheduled for this Christmas: the Cowboys facing the Commanders, the Lions against the Vikings, and a matchup between the Broncos and the Chiefs.
Barkley, a passionate advocate for the NBA, expressed his discontent with the NFL’s expansion into this traditional basketball holiday. “The NFL got greedy and started adding Christmas games. We used to have this day to ourselves, but Roger Goodell and them pigs at the NFL always want to hog every day of the week now,” he stated emphatically. For Barkley, Christmas has always been an NBA day, a sentiment that resonates with many basketball fans who cherish the league’s holiday lineup.
Christmas Day Showdowns
The NBA is making its mark with five exciting games on the slate this Christmas. The action kicks off at noon ET with the Cavaliers taking on the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, culminating in a showdown between the Timberwolves and Nuggets at 10:30 p.m. ET. Prominent matchups include the Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James, hosting Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets at 8 p.m. ET.
In contrast, the NFL’s Christmas Day games have become a more recent phenomenon, with the league having featured at least one game on the holiday since 2020. The previous year saw three games played, even though Christmas fell on a Wednesday, a clear indication of the NFL’s commitment to expanding its reach.
Rating Expectations and Future Implications
As fans settle in to enjoy the holiday games, the real focus will be on how viewership numbers pan out in the days following the festivities. The NFL’s Christmas Day offerings, which may have looked promising when first announced, now feature several teams, including the Chiefs, who are not in the playoff hunt.
The ratings will serve as a barometer to gauge the impact of the NFL’s intrusion into Christmas Day, and whether Barkley’s concerns resonate with the broader audience. As the sports landscape continues to evolve, the interplay between the NFL and NBA on this cherished holiday will undoubtedly spark further conversation among fans and analysts alike.
Christmas Day Game Schedule
NFL
Cowboys at Commanders: 1 p.m. ET, Netflix
Lions at Vikings: 4:30 p.m. ET, Netflix
Broncos at Chiefs: 8:15 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime
NBA
Cavaliers at Knicks: Noon ET, ABC/ESPN
Spurs at Thunder: 2:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN
Mavericks at Warriors: 5 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN
Rockets at Lakers: 8 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN
Timberwolves at Nuggets: 10:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN
As the day unfolds, fans from both leagues will be tuning in, but the debate over Christmas Day’s rightful ownership is sure to linger in the air.
