Charles Barkley raises concerns for Bill Belichick as former NFL coach's personal life thrust into spotlight

Bill Belichick's much-discussed romance with Jordon Hudson returned to center stage following a high-profile television interview.

Figures across the sports world and beyond have shared their thoughts in the days since the scrutinized interview. On Wednesday, former NBA star and current broadcaster Charles Barkley became one of the latest to weigh in on the situation.

"Well, this is a very slippery subject for me, because Bill's one of my really good friends," Barkley told Patrick. "I don't - I'm not sure what's going on. You know, he's been a great friend for me for a long time. We've been friends since he coached for the Browns. I think he's got to be very careful right now. This is starting to be on a very slippery slope."

"He's the greatest football coach ever. Him and Nick Saban. For college, Nick Saban. For Bill, the NFL. Yeah, from what I'm hearing, it's starting to be a very slippery slope. And I never talk about people's personal relationship. That's another rule I got. But I will admit, I'm a little concerned with some of the stuff that's going on, and I might actually reach out to him and make sure everything's good, but I am concerned from what I'm hearing, because, yeah, it's not a good look right now. I'll admit that."

A question during the recent interview with CBS about how Belichick and Hudson initially met quickly turned heads. "We're not talking about this," Hudson said before Belichick responded.

After the interview, Belichick claimed some interview preconditions were not upheld.

The six-time Super Bowl-winning coach also took aim at CBS' Tony Dokoupil, accusing him of bringing up "unrelated topics," which Belichick claimed prompted Hudson to speak out during the interview. 

"I repeatedly expressed to the reporter, Tony Dokoupil, and the producers that I preferred to keep the conversation centered on the book," the statement added. "After this occurred several times, Jordon, with whom I share both a personal and professional relationship, stepped in to reiterate that point to help refocus the discussion."

"She was not deflecting any specific question or topic but simply doing her job to ensure the interview stayed on track."

The report also noted that Hudson had asked to be "heavily involved with the project."

Belichick, 73, has been publicly linked to the 24-year-old Hudson since 2023. He said he met Hudson on a flight in 2021.