Last week, outspoken “Inside the NBA” host Charles Barkley offered up yet another dose of controversy with his criticism that the Golden State Warriors are playing “little girly basketball” despite boasting the best record in the entire NBA.
It doesn’t require much analysis to see why levying “girly” as a criticism would offend many people, Warriors fans or not. People slammed his word choice, and Rachel Nichols, an ESPN host, was quick to set him straight.
Here’s video of his comments in a clip from Thursday night’s broadcast.
His exact words:
“Maybe I’m old school, but I’m never going to like that little girly basketball where you have to outscore people. I’m biased against girl basketball.”
From a logical standpoint, I’m not sure what kind of basketball Charles enjoys if it doesn’t entail outscoring the other team. Losing basketball? Regardless of the point he was trying to make, people are understandably upset that he would use “girly” as a substitute for “weak,” or any other pejorative descriptor he was using the word to convey.
The next day, ESPN’s Rachel Nichols, who is a friend and former broadcasting partner of Barkley, took to her show “The Jump” to respond to his comments.
Here’s the video of her statement:
Here’s a transcript of her remarks:
“Look, I worked with Charles for three years at TNT. We’ve been friends for a lot longer. I love that man like a big brother. I did text him last night, and I said, ‘Chuck, think about how it feels for girls watching you to hear you use girly or girls as a substitute word for weak or lame? It’s not OK.’ And his point back to me was that he was just having some fun, and, as he put it, quote ‘intent matters.’ And he is right. It does.
“But to borrow one of Chuck’s own favorite phrases, in my opinion, that is still not good enough of a reason to feel OK about using that expression. And this isn’t a P.C. (political correctness) police thing. I’m not offended in any way. This is just about girls out there who love watching Chuck talk about basketball as much as I do, who shouldn’t have to grow up feeling like they are the living, human stand-in definition of being less than or weak. And frankly, young boys shouldn’t be growing up thinking that about boys, either.”
Her point about this being about more than political correctness is well-received, and it’s not hard to draw a close parallel between Barkley’s use of “girly” and the (thankfully waning) use of “gay” as a general insult.
Judging by the powerful response on social media, it seems that most people, including former NBA star Tracy McGrady who also responds in the video, are siding with Nichols on this one.
While it’s somewhat beside the point, one Twitter user showed that Chuck was guilty of the same time of basketball during his time in Phoenix as a player:
Fire out that apology whenever you’re ready, Chuck.
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Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.