Charles Barkley surprises Ernie Johnson with Hall of Fame announcement during The Match

No matter what happened during The Match on Thursday night, the best moment came before anyone teed up. Instead, it came when Charles Barkley revealed a special honor for his broadcasting partner, Ernie Johnson.

Near the end of the pre-game portion of The Match, Barkley asked Johnson if he could take a second to say something. When the Inside the NBA host gave his colleague the floor, the former NBA star revealed that Johnson had been inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

“This is big, this is big. I want to be the first — I’m the only person up here who knows this. I want to be the first person — it’s an honor and a privilege to congratulate Ernie Johnson going into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame,” Barkley said.

Johnson was legitimately stunned.

Ernie Johnson has been inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall Of Fame🏆

Congrats to a goat 🐐

pic.twitter.com/bhAfWwAIZE

— Better Than Vegas (@btvbets) June 29, 2023

“Get outta here,” Johnson responded. “Chuckster, what are you talkin’ about?

“Man, that is awesome. Thank you so much. Thank you guys. And, whoever is responsible for that, whoever votes on that, I am humbled beyond words.”

Johnson said he’s been involved with TNT for 34 years and has been working in broadcasting for over 40 years. It’s certainly a well-deserved honor for the superstar sportscaster.

Ernie Johnson’s popularity grows with Inside the NBA

Johnson is well-known for hosting TNT’s Inside the NBA, easily the best studio show in sports. He works with Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith, creating a fun and unique viewing experience.

The show creates a fun combination of entertainment and insight. Since it’s inception in the 1990s, it’s only grown in popularity.

But it’s hardly the only thing Johnson does on the sportscasting side. He also covers the PGA Championship, March Madness and MLB. Recently, he’s added The Match host to his resumé.

Thursday’s event in Las Vegas featured Golden State Warriors stars Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson battling Kansas City Chiefs phenoms Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Seeing athletes hit the golf course can always be entertaining for those who enjoy the sport.

But the moment of the night belonged to Charles Barkley’s special announcement for Ernie Johnson.