Tributes to George Foreman poured in from across the sports media landscape following news of the famed boxer and entrepreneur’s passing at 76 on Friday. Notably, during the CBS/TNT Sports NCAA Tournament studio coverage, host Ernie Johnson shared the news and discussed Foreman’s career. Analyst Charles Barkley spoke about his personal connection with Foreman and the impact of recent losses among prominent sports figures on him:
Charles Barkley reflects on his relationship with the late George Foreman pic.twitter.com/Bm7HeaRLld
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 22, 2025
“Boxing and football are my two favorite sports, and I got to know Mr. Foreman a little bit. I’d see him at all the boxing matches, and I’d always pick his brain about trying to be an entrepreneur when your career is over. This one hurts, man. It’s been a rough… I ain’t going to lie, man, between Junior Bridgeman, Oliver Miller, it’s been a rough week, and now Mr. Foreman. When that thing came in, it hurts a lot. Because obviously he was one of the greatest boxers ever, but he was a gentleman, he was a pastor, and this just hurts, man, plain and simple. My condolences to his family, and just…I’m shook up right now, that caught me so off guard.” This added to the waves of sports media figures who noted Foreman’s incredible accomplishments in and outside of the ring. Barkley’s comments stood out for the emotion he expressed in losing a personal connection, particularly in light of the recent losses of Bridgeman and Miller.
