Brad Marchand is often at the center of debates about the most controversial figures in the NHL. His aggressive playstyle and confrontational nature, like his recent altercation with Shayne Gostisbehere during Game 1 against the Hurricanes, continue to split public opinion. However, NBA legend Charles Barkley sees Marchand in a completely different light. During a special broadcast of the NHL Altcast, Barkley expressed admiration for Marchand, calling him a player one would love to team up with. At the same time, he took a surprising jab at Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones.
Barkley said he “hates” Seth Jones—but the sentiment wasn’t based on anything the hockey player himself did. Instead, the root of his disdain lies in a personal NBA rivalry from nearly three decades ago. The former basketball star clarified that his feelings were linked to Seth’s father, Ronald Jerome “Popeye” Jones, who played in the NBA during Barkley’s era. According to Barkley, Popeye Jones was the only player who consistently got the better of him throughout his basketball career, which left a lasting impression.
Charles Barkley loves Brad Marchand but hates Seth Jones because his dad, former NBA player Popeye Jones always beat Chuck 😭 pic.twitter.com/9QbK0LhdmY
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 23, 2025
Though it’s been 28 years since their last matchup in 1997, Barkley clearly hasn’t forgotten those encounters. He admitted that this history is why he playfully resents Seth Jones today, even though the younger Jones had no part in those past battles. The moment took Barkley’s co-hosts Paul Bissonette and Will Arnett by surprise, especially given the strong language used.
This interaction sparked fan discussion, raising questions about whether Barkley’s attitude is just a humorous take on long-standing sports rivalries or an unfair judgment of an athlete based on family history. Meanwhile, his vocal appreciation of Marchand continues to challenge how people perceive athletes who polarize audiences.