Deadspin: ernie johnson

Charles Barkley Plays By A Different Set Of Broadcast Rules

DAULERIO — Sun, 31 May 2009 12:48:52 EDT

Charles Barkley's impromptu, line-crossing NBA analyst technique is what endears him to millions and it continues to amaze me how much he gets away with on-air/off-court without any career-ending consequences. The latest installment: Last night's TNT broadcast where Sir Roundmound calls Kenny Smith "Numb nuts" and his producer a "pussy."

This is a step down on the insult chain for Kiely, who's had to put up with Barkley insults throughout most of his career at TNT, going from "big fat obnoxious boss" to pussy. Reggie Miller's "What's wrong with you?!" reaction after Barkley's p-word is also pretty amusing and another reason why this show continues to be one of the most entertaining sports broadcasts in history.

Charles Barkley Lets Cat Get His Tongue [You Been Blinde]

Charles Barkley Admits To Dumbassery

Leitch — Thu, 08 May 2008 10:00:35 EDT

Of everyone we've featured in our Media Approval Ratings, the two most popular media members are TNT's Ernie Johnson and Charles Barkley. (They've both ahead of Erin Andrews, for cripes sake.) This prank on Barkley, by Johnson, might help explain why.

We can understand how this might happen; there can't be much more soul-crushing for a freestylist like Barkley than reading yet another T-Mobile "My 5" promo. Dumbass.

Media Approval Ratings: Ernie Johnson (Update: Now With Actual VOTING)

Leitch — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:05:00 EDT

After almost universal love tossed in the general direction of the TNT NBA crew, time to look at Ernie Johnson.

Johnson seems to us like a guy who came out of nowhere and found himself in the perfect spot. Corralling Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley every night can't be easy, but E.J. — as the kids call him — seems to have a knack for it. He also has won the Sports Emmy for Outstanding Sports Personality, Studio Host twice, the only person other than Bob Costas to win it.

Also, he overcame non-Hodgkins lymphoma. But we don't want to rig the results here.

So: Do you like the Ernie Johnson? Do you not like the Ernie Johnson? Let us know.