Ernie Johnson and Charles Barkley’s friendship has lasted decades through jokes, jabs, and hilarity on Inside the NBA. But once the college football season arrives, the rivalry of their alma mater falls center stage. This week, before Georgia’s game against Auburn, Ernie raised a wager to Barkley, and Chuck responded in classic Charles Barkley fashion.

In a clip from Instagram, Ernie said, “Hey everybody, so this weekend it’s Georgia and Auburn… Once again this year, we’ll have our typical bet… the spread this year is three and a half.” However, he added a twist: if Georgia wins, Barkley donates to Destination Dawgs, a University of Georgia program dedicated to helping students with intellectual disabilities. If Auburn wins, Ernie will donate to the EAGLES program, which does similar work for young adults with disabilities. “Good luck,” Ernie signed off. “You’re going to need it.”

Barkley, never one to leave a challenge unanswered, delivered a response that felt straight out of something you’d see on Inside the NBA. “Well, Ernie Johnson, Charles Wade Barkley here,” he said, smiling at the camera. “First of all, where the hell are you, Daniel Boone? You look like you’re in the wilderness. You and Cheryl out there like Annie Oakley and Daniel Boone, hunting for survival.”

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Then came the acceptance of the wager. “That’s a cute little motif, as they say. I’ll take your bet on the game, our usual. And ugly dogs, whatever y’all call y’all women down there… I’ll accept the bet for that charity and my Auburn program. You have a bet, sir, and I hope you make it out of the wilderness – and war, damn eagle.”

Their bet this year, highlighted by the charitable causes that will benefit from it, is a healthy mix of competition and friendship. It also marks a return to normalcy for fans of Inside the NBA, with the shows future uncertain earlier this summer.

Inside the NBA Returns With Familiar Faces on ESPN and ABC

No matter the network, Inside the NBA is a classic, and now, fans can celebrate its return on ESPN and ABC with the start of the 2024-25 season. The beloved show, whose blend of humor and hoops has redefined sports television, will still be produced by Turner from its Atlanta studios, despite losing broadcasting rights after the NBA signed a new TV deal with Amazon, Disney and others.

The show has remained the gold standard of sports coverage for over three decades. The 36-year run has earned Inside a massive 21 Emmy awards and a spot in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. ESPN confirmed its return on social media and even posted a full schedule of games that’d be available on.

The show returns on opening night, October 22nd, and will host several marquee matchups, like Christmas Day and the playoffs. Though the platform has changed, the magic between Barkley, Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith will ensure it feels good as new.