In a league that, like the NFL, is seeing ratings impacted presumably by the overwhelming message of social justice that seems to be taking away from the actual games, Barkley was one of the first voices to speak out and defend the police as the nation grappled with the result of the Breonna Taylor verdict.

During the pre-game show, Barkley said he thought that Taylor's case had be "lumped in" with the George Floyd killing and reminded the viewing audience that Taylor's boyfriend actually shot at police who were executing a no-knock warrant first, before police returned fire, tragically killing Taylor. 

Barkley said: "I don't think this one was like George Floyd or Ahmaud Arbery and things like that. I feel sad that this young lady lost her life. I think this one was — the no-knock warrant is something we need to get rid of ... across the board. But I am worried to lump all these situations in together."