What many golf fans know is that Tiger Woods and former NBA star Charles Barkley were great friends. However, their long-time friendship disappeared the moment Tiger Woods' life experienced a major upheaval. In 2009, the popular golfer crashed his Cadillac, a few days after there were rumors of his infidelity.
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After the traffic and stressful moments for Tiger, many women decided to speak publicly about Woods, emphasizing that they had an affair with him. From that moment, for not known reason, Woods broke off contact with the former NBA star.
In that period, rumors circulated that Barkley and Jordan were persons who had a negative effect on Woods. People believed in such a story, and thought that Tiger should be as far away from them as possible. Looking back on that period, Barkley pointed out that it was interesting to listen to various rumors and stories, stressing that none of it was true.
"It was interesting sitting back and listening and hearing me and Michael corrupted him, we knew none of this stuff was going in," Barkley said, as quoted by talk Sport.
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The 61-year-old is obviously angry with Woods, believing that the golf legend should have acted differently in such a situation. In an interview with Andscape, Barkley pointed out that there are conditions in which he would understand why Woods decided to move away, such as the one where his wife prevents him from being in their company. However, Barkley stresses that Woods had to act like a man and to reveal why he was leaving. Charles is disappointed by his approach and the fact that he just disappeared from his life.
"I could understand if he was trying to get back with his wife at the time and she said, 'Hey, get rid of all your old friends,' and he called and said, 'This is the situation,'" Barkley said.
"I would've understood that.
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But I just wish he would have been man enough to call and say that. To just disappear totally was disappointing."
A year after Barkley's remarks, he and Woods had the opportunity to speak again, this time on 'Inside the NBA'. The two had an interesting conversation, and it was clear that there was no tension on either side. Charles wanted Woods to have a more pleasant visit, to focus on positive topics, and to forget about previous misunderstandings.
It's interesting that the former NBA star was quoted by Shipnuck in one of the books, where he pointed out that Mickelson lasted longer because he had a joyful life, while on the other hand, Woods won many tournaments, but the joy factor was missing. It's known that Tiger Woods had a turbulent life, with many incidents.
Many wonder what kind of career an experienced golfer would have if he had a different approach both in his private life and on the golf course. One of the greatest of this sport is still here, but of course, after all the accidents, it's hard to expect that we'll ever have the opportunity to watch the old Woods.
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One of the reasons for that is, of course, his age, and many other things. Despite everything, Tiger has a huge fan base, which is the reason why many have decided to follow this sport and play it.
Charles Barkley compares Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson
Barkley believes that Woods is a better golfer than Mickelson, but stresses that it's not fun to be around him. Charles believes that Mickelson is a person who makes people around him smile with charisma and positive energy. It seems that Barkley doesn't have the same opinion of Woods, noting that 'Woods always acted like he's under siege.'
Years later, it isn't known whether the former NBA star and the golf star are still in touch, but judging by everything and after such words, it is difficult to expect that the two will ever be in contact. Each of them has dedicated himself to his own life and professional obligations. Woods is trying to get back in shape, to play in tournaments, but he's aware that he must limit himself. This golfer's wishes are to play only the Majors for now, and we'll see in what direction his recovery will go. It's certain that a name like Tiger is hugely missed by fans, but in recent years we have become accustomed to it.
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Charles is still part of television, where he does analytical work, on TNT and CBS Sports. His comments and reactions attract attention. Barkley is a charismatic person who knows how to get the attention of NBA fans.
