"I need to quit drinking."
One day in July 1998, shortly after the finals ended, before the labor negotiations had settled, and when Michael Jordan suddenly announced his retirement, Charles Barkley seemed to be inspired or stimulated. He decided to give up alcohol.
Like Jordan, Barkley was also a good friend of his, with both having entered the League together. Every summer, they would train together, play golf together, attend various events, shoot commercials, documentaries, and appear on talk shows.
All of a sudden, Jordan decided to leave. Although there had been signs, the decision was still abrupt.
Barkley and Jordan had a strong competitive relationship. The 1994 Finals was the most thrilling battle outside of the Gan vs. Jordan battle, where Barkley gave it his all but still lost to the Bulls and Jordan.
