January 1 marks an interesting time in American society. Not only does everyone celebrate the earth’s latest trip around the sun, but most offer up New Year’s resolutions. That includes NBA legends like Charles Barkley.
Some resolutions are far more difficult than others. As a result, they’re rarely kept, with many falling off after just a few months. Others last just weeks or days.
In the case of Barkley, his resolution was a relatively straightforward one. He vowed to give up Diet Coke for the year.
For most, that would be a simple transition. Diet Coke is to soda what Bud Light is to beer, so it would be easy to pour that right down the drain. But Barkley has been sucking down that caffeinated soda for years, so his Inside the NBA co-hosts decided to lend him a hand on Thursday night.
As the crew wrapped up their broadcast following the Milwaukee Bucks-San Antonio Spurs game, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson teamed together to ensure Chuck wouldn’t be tempted by the Diet Coke’s remaining on set.
Hilarity ensued.
Charles Barkley said he wanted to give up Diet Coke as a New Year's Resolution.
In response, Shaq, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson each enjoyed a Diet Coke as Inside the NBA goes off the air. pic.twitter.com/DAWQAyb8B1
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 5, 2024
“Don’t y’all feel my pain,” a dejected Barkley asked as the crew pretended to enjoy some Diet Coke. “Ain’t it good?”
Thanks to his good buddies, Barkley is now six days in on his resolution. Just 359 more to go.
