Oops...Charles Barkley trash talks Weight Watchers
When there's a microphone on you for hours, it can be easy to forget the cardinal rule of broadcast journalism -- always act as though you are on the air.
Seems as though Charles Barkley had a minor slipup.
During a first-quarter break during the Miami-Atlanta game on Thursday, Barkley, who is getting paid by Weight Watchers to lose weight, called the program a "scam."
"I thought this was the greatest scam going, getting paid to watch sports," Barkley said. "This Weight Watchers thing is a bigger scam."
Barkley is supposed to lose two pounds a week, and has already shed 38 pounds.
He appears to be happy that he's slimmed down...and even happier that his wallet hasn't followed suit.
"I feel much better," Barkley said. "But I ain't giving away no free money."
-- Melissa Rohlin
Photo: Charles Barkley, left, and Shaquille O'Neal wrap up an interview at TNT studios after O'Neal joined the cast of the network's "Inside the NBA" last month. Credit: John Amis / Associated Press