Shaq, Charles Barkley send heartfelt condolences to Ernie Johnson on family loss

On December 20, 2024By Littum

Filling in for regular host Ernie Johnson on Inside the NBA On Thursday, TNT’s Adam Lefkoe delivered some grim news. Johnson’s sister Christine died of cancer on Wednesday at the age of 72.

They are saddened by the news, Hall of Fame forward Charles Barkley and center Shaquille O’Neal – Johnson’s colleague Inside the NBA panelist – stepped forward to offer condolences to the broadcasting icon.

“I feel most sad for Ernie, (his wife) Cheryl and his whole family,” Barkley said. “I felt the same way when Kenny’s mom passed away, I felt the same way when Shaq’s sister died… Ernie is the head of our family and our family heads are going through pain. Man, we love you, we miss you and you stay home and take care of your family.”

“Ernie is the leader of our family, and our family leaders go through pain…”

The Fellas send their love and condolences to the Johnson family, who are grieving the loss of Ernie’s sister, Christine Johnson. pic.twitter.com/ECYHQxCTnT

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) 19 December 2024

During the entire run, Inside the NBA has garnered recognition for his empathic touch with human problems – and Thursday was no exception.

“We definitely feel his pain. I definitely feel his pain,” O’Neal said. “We’re brothers. We feel the hurt. When I got the text, it brought a tear to my eye… we’re definitely hurting for you, Ernie. We love you. Take time to come back. “