NBA Legend Charles Barkley’s Humorous Retort After Team USA’s Loss to Canada
Legendary NBA player Charles Barkley’s anticipated birthday celebration was dampened by Team USA’s loss to Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off final. However, Barkley turned the disappointment into an opportunity for humor.
Inside the NBA Commentary
During Thursday’s broadcast of "Inside the NBA" on TNT, Barkley offered his congratulations to the victorious Canadians, adding a lighthearted jab:
"Congratulations to Canada – I’m sorry we got the tariffs on you," Barkley quipped. "It was a great hockey game."
Barkley’s amusing remark drew laughter from his co-hosts, but he wasn’t finished yet.
"They were playing harder because of the tariffs, and they didn’t want to be the 51st state. That’s motivation."
Political Tensions Fueling Rivalry
The final match was played amidst escalating political tensions between the United States and Canada. President Donald Trump had joked about Canada becoming the 51st state and referred to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the "governor" of Canada. These comments, along with the threat of tariffs, had ignited resentment among Canadians.
Booing of American Anthem
The political tensions spilled over into the hockey rink, as Canadian fans booed the American national anthem before two games in the tournament. Several Team USA players expressed their offense at this disrespectful behavior.
Canada Triumphs in Overtime
Despite the heightened emotions, Connor McDavid scored in overtime to secure a 3-2 victory for Canada. The Canadian fans erupted in celebration, while Trudeau took the opportunity to send a message to the United States:
"You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game."
Barkley’s Last Laugh
Barkley’s humorous quip about tariffs and Canada’s motivation to avoid becoming a U.S. state resonated with viewers who appreciated his ability to lighten the mood after a disappointing defeat. The exchange served as a reminder that even amidst political divisions, sports can provide a platform for laughter and camaraderie.
Additional Details
- The 4 Nations Face-Off is an annual hockey tournament featuring the United States, Canada, Finland, and Russia.
- The tournament was held in London, Ontario, Canada, from December 13-16, 2020.
- The Canadian victory marked their first triumph in the tournament since 2017.
