Basketball is not the only common interest that Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley share. While there have been other sports as well where both the stars tried hands on, the more serious common interest between the two has been their interest in gambling. So it’s no surprise that the two stars, the once best of friends, had a few friendly bets against each other on multiple instances.

One such has recently come to light in an article by The Athletic. The story covers the Kenny Rogers Classic Weekends hosted by the country singer back in the day. About 15 celebrities, across all arenas, gathered in Roger’s lavish accommodation – a 1200-acre ranch to compete in basketball, tennis, golf, and fish bassing. One among them was Michael Jordan, keeping interests up through his games and bets.

As well known, Jordan impressed in basketball but it wasn’t the only sport where everyone was in awe of him. Tennis star Kevin Curren recalls how good of a player he saw Jordan to be in his sport despite his inexperience – thanks to his athletic ability and confidence. “That was even more fascinating to witness his movement on the court,” he said about playing with him. It was here that Curren also recalled that those very abilities helped him win a bet against Charles Barkley, who was a common basketball name in the gatherings alongside Larry Bird and Isiah Thomas.

“One year, Curren, the tennis pro, remembered Jordan and Barkley arguing over who was the better athlete. They decided to play a set of tennis for $10,000. Jordan won easily,” read the article by The Athletic.

While this could’ve been without getting money involved, not making a bet when the opportunity presents itself is not something either of them would do. And it’s not as if either of the stars has not admitted to the habit. In an interview, Charles once stated that he won close to a million about 5 or 6 times. But also admitted to losing a similar amount around 10 to 20 times. “It got out of hand. I quit for like 2 years,” Chuck added.

via Imago

However, he admitted he’ll probably continue doing it but not to a great extent. “I’m not going to quit gambling because it’s my life, and it’s my money,” he said, as per ESPN. As for the Chicago Bulls legend, he stated gambling to be a hobby for him rather than a problem. He once accepted to things getting a bit out of hand with this hobby.

“I think I have a very positive life. Naturally, there have been some things that I have done wrong, and most people have. The gambling thing is something that kind of get out of proportion,” he said. But for a lighter note, Chuck and Michael Jordan found their shenanigans betting against each other – once even costing someone unwilling.

The time when Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan played golf for $10,000 a hole

Cedric the Entertainer shared this instance on an episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He shed light on Mike’s love for golf and how his bets throughout the game got pretty serious. The 60-year-old shared a particular momement that quickly got him out of his pay range.

“The time I played, (Charles) Barkley was with us, and they were playing like ten thousand a hole, $10,000 a hole,” he recalled. The stakes kind of scared Cedric, which should’ve been the case with most individuals. And more so considering Jordan wanted Cedric also to play.

However, the stand-up comedian tried avoiding it by hilariously stating he would have to open a second line of credit just to play golf with them. But Mike still got him to agree to put $1,000 on each hole. Little did Cedric realize it was 18 of those, and he lost every one of them.

And this is still one of the many instances that Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan betted against each other until the two drifted apart after Buck’s one take on live TV. The two haven’t spoken in years for Barkley’s remark on Charlotte Hornets, a team owned by Jordan. Now if the two were ever to reunite, it is up to the latter, because Charles is all in.