Charles Oakley Attacks Charles Barkley On Twitter, Says He “Was Never Tough”

Former legendary NBA power forwards Charles Oakley and Charles Barkley spent nearly 20 years competing against each other for rebounds in the 1980s and 90s, and they appear to remain fierce rivals even today.

Charles Oakley Attacks Charles Barkley On Twitter

This time, the two greats have used social media for their feud.

It all began Wednesday night when Oakley, 52, responded to Barkley’s, 53, comments regarding the Cleveland Cavaliers following the team’s 123-98 Game 2 home victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Barkley suggested the Hawks need to get physical with the Cavs and commit a flagrant foul to make a point that they are standing up for themselves. Oakley is a Cleveland native. Barkley also added that he was especially displeased with Cleveland continuing to go for the NBA 3-point record late in the fourth quarter, and believed it to be disrespectful toward the Hawks.

Barkley, now an analyst for TNT who does not have a Twitter account, responded to Oakley’s tweet on the air after the game. “I don’t have to worry about my toughness,” Barkley said after the game. “Charles Oakley doesn’t like me, which is no big deal. I don’t like him or dislike him — I don’t think about him. He’s not important enough for me to think about.” 

Although Oakley didn’t fire back immediately, the fight may not be over. Oakley, who was drafted by the Cavaliers as a first-round pick out of Virginia Union in 1985, boasts a 19-year NBA career, during which he played for the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards and Houston Rockets. He consistently ranked as one of the best rebounders in the league.

PHOTO: NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 05: Former professional basketball player Charles Oakley attends the 2012 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year award presentation at Espace on December 5, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)