Shaq would've supported Barkley if he accepted LIV Golf job

Shaquille O'Neal says he would've had no hard feelings toward Charles Barkley if his friend and colleague decided to join LIV Golf.

Following the news that Barkley ended contract talks with LIV Golf, O'Neal was asked in an interview with USA Today's Bryan Alexander if he tried to talk him out of leaving TNT.

"No. Charles is a dear friend. I would've supported him every which way," O'Neal said. "Charles is one of those legends, like Bill Russell, who didn't make a lot of money playing. So if a chance comes up like this at this age that's legal - controversial but legal - you've got to look at it. If he had accepted it, I wouldn't be mad. And if Charles had left? You'd still have me."

Barkley reportedly met with LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman in Atlanta on July 20 to discuss a possible role with the Saudi-backed circuit. He announced July 29 that he was passing on the opportunity with LIV Golf and intends to stay with Turner for the rest of his television career.

Barkley has served as a studio analyst on TNT since 2000, while O'Neal was hired prior to the 2011-12 NBA season.