NBA icon Charles Barkley blasts 'idiotic' LIV and PGA Tour leaders - 'So stupid'

NBA icon Charles Barkley has delivered a scathing critique of the officials brokering the deal between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), in the wake of LIV Golf's emergence.

The golfing world has been split in two since LIV inception, with PGA Tour leaders imposing bans on any golfer participating on the LIV circuit. But in a surprising turn of events last June, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan revealed an unexpected framework agreement with PIF.

This proposed pact was anticipated to quell the ongoing hostilities between the competing tours, yet more than 16 months later, a formal agreement remains elusive.

The drawn-out negotiations have irked both golf enthusiasts and professionals, and now basketball legend Barkley has voiced his anger. Speaking to SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio, Barkley he said: "I wish these fools would quit screwing around, LIV and the PGA Tour.

"I don't know what the hell they're doing. They're so stupid. These guys are so idiotic. They need to be playing against each other [more than] the majors. It would be beneficial for both tours."

Barkley is no stranger to the sport's civil war, having previously toyed with the idea of exiting TNT for a role on LIV's broadcasting team in 2022, with reports suggesting that LIV representatives were serious about pursuing him.

Barkley has been vocal before about his criticisms of those in charge, with Monahan frequently feeling the heat. In a significant development, the Tour chief was seen engaging with LIV chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan in Scotland this month.

The two golfing power figures were spotted smiling and laughing at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, a clear sign of high spirits between them.

Rory McIlroy, a key figure caught up in the ongoing saga between the PGA and LIV Golf, was also participating at the event and commented on the rare public meeting. "It's a great thing and a good sign that Jay and Yasir are playing together on Thursday," he told the BBC.

"I think it is a step in the right direction. Time will tell if things go in the direction I want them to or a lot of people want them to. I think we all understand it is not easy and, you know, change for the most part in golf is resisted because it is such a traditional sport..

"Maybe it is going too slow for the people who follow golf. But I think in the business world deals of this size take time. You know, you are talking about billions of dollars changing hands, different jurisdictions in the Middle East, US and Europe.

"It's a pretty complicated deal, but I think we'll know more by the year's end hopefully. We are in October, so three months to get something done and start 2025 with enthusiasm and all move forward together."