Charles Barkley has revealed that his attempts to reach out to Tiger Woods after the golfer's recent arrest were unsuccessful, as a one-sided feud continues between the two sports icons.
Barkley recently disclosed that he is on speaking terms with fellow NBA legend Michael Jordan, thanks to former baseball star Vince Coleman acting as a mediator. However, when it comes to Woods, the relationship appears irreparable.
Speaking on ESPN Chicago's 'Waddle and Silvy' radio show, Barkley admitted he has 'never understood' why Woods and he are not getting along. 'I called his agent, I don't even have Tiger's number, I said, "Let the young guy know I love him, I hope he's gonna be alright." I wish him nothing but the best,' Barkley said.
'Obviously, he has a drug problem, and I got nothing but love for him. He disowned us after one of those car accidents,' Barkley added, referring to Woods' 2009 car crash near his Florida home, which led to revelations about his infidelity.
Barkley estimated that their relationship began to deteriorate after that incident, but the final straw came when Woods fired his longtime caddy Steve Williams in 2011. 'It's been very frustrating to watch everything that has transpired,' Barkley told Mike Lupica in 2011. 'And getting rid of Steve Williams was probably the last straw for me.'
Despite the rift, Barkley maintains that the friendship's demise was not his fault. 'Tiger left us,' the NBA legend said. 'I don't turn on my friends when they do something wrong or make a mistake. But I wish him nothing but the best.'
