Colin Cowherd believes the NBA media should adopt a tougher stance, resembling Charles Barkley rather than ESPN’s approach. He recently aired a clip of Channing Frye stating that “nostalgia is killing the NBA,” which Cowherd interpreted as a critique aimed at Barkley. However, Cowherd argues that the real issue isn’t nostalgia, but rather a lack of hard-hitting media coverage. He pointed out that figures like Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson stand out as the exceptions in a generally soft media landscape.
“I think Barkley and Shaq are the guys that are like, ‘Why aren’t you playing?’ I want a show that is hard and has teeth and bites into the players. They’re not PR firms.” – Colin Cowherd pic.twitter.com/b3Q2QgSHc7
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 25, 2025
“NFL media is tough, criticizing rookies, coaches, and players alike,” Cowherd asserted. “In contrast, basketball media—both college and professional—is notoriously soft, often trying to curry favor with stars. Barkley and Shaq are the rare exceptions who hold players accountable for things like load management. I’ve even stopped bringing on some reputable NBA reporters because their analysis feels superficial.” He extended this critique to MLB media, noting that they too lack criticality, with Tom Verducci being a notable exception for his previously outspoken views on steroids in the sport.
“Sometimes, it takes a strong opinion from a significant figure to push back against a sport,” Cowherd continued. He emphasized the need for media to adopt a tougher stance, stating, “Barkley and Shaq are asking, ‘Why aren’t you playing?’ What I want is a show that has teeth and critiques the players, not just a PR firm for them. ESPN leans towards fluff; it’s often pro-player and pro-NBA, making everything seem great when it’s not. The broadcasts can feel like they’re under team ownership—criticizing players should be acceptable. Unfortunately, Barkley and Shaq remain the outliers.”
Cowherd’s comments seem to cast a shadow on his former employer, suggesting a larger critique of how the NBA is covered. While he initially addressed media coverage, he also highlighted the commentary from ESPN’s game broadcasters, which, while not as critical as past analysts like Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy, still go beyond mere fluff. However, ESPN’s shoulder programming may fall short, lacking honest critique.
Importantly, TNT Sports, home to Inside the NBA this season, operates as a league partner alongside ESPN. The key difference lies in the amount of airtime: NBA Countdown has limited minutes for game breakdowns, whereas Inside the NBA enjoys hours for discussion and criticism. This dynamic is set to change next season, as Inside the NBA moves to ESPN due to a licensing agreement following TNT Sports losing its game rights. ESPN insists that production and editorial control will remain unchanged, leaving Cowherd to evaluate these alterations himself.
