Former basketball great Michael Jordan waves to Roger Federer of Switzerland after Federer defeated Marinko Matosevic of Australia during their men's singles match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York August 26, 2014.
Former basketball great Michael Jordan waves to Roger Federer of Switzerland after Federer defeated Marinko Matosevic of Australia during their men's singles match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York August 26, 2014. REUTERS

One of the most storied friendships in basketball apparently has some cracks in the middle.

Sir Charles Barkley revealed in a recent interview with Yahoo Sport's Graham Besinger that he and Michael Jordon are not in good terms. Barkley revealed that the rift stems from apparent comment made about the Charlotte Hornets organization when it was still on of the league's doormats. Jordan is a principal owner and chairman of the Hornets.

Given that Barkley has always been candid with his statements dating back to his NBA days up until his Emmy-award winning hosting gig with TNT's Inside the NBA, it is understandable that at times he may let go of critical remarks on the Bobcats/Hornets, some of which His Airness took offense. A few years ago, when the Hornets then known as the Bobcats were visibly tanking to get potential top pick, Anthony Davis, Barkley let go of some critical words on the way the organization was being run.

"I think that Michael was upset by some of the things I said about the Bobcats," he told Bensinger. "Which, number one, they were true...I'm gonna be honest, and I'm gonna be fair."

The Round Mound of Rebound however clarifies that since then his friend has already done a much better job of running the franchise. The Hornets have a brighter future in tow with arguably the best post scorer in Al Jefferson, they have rising star Kemba Walker under development and they just signed mercurial guard Lance Stephenson to shore up the ball handling duties. The Hornets were also lauded with their choice of Noah Vonleh in the latest NBA draft, a far cry in recent years when they selected busts such as Adam Morrison and Bismack Biyombo. The jury is still out on former Number 2 pick Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

The admission of Barkley now makes it the second time that he has lost a high profile friendship. He also revealed this summer that he and Tiger Woods were no longer doing well. However, Barkley insisted in the interview that he still thinks of Jordan as a friend even referring to him as a brother on several occasions.

Brothers maybe, just on some petty spat that we hope will be repaired in time.