Charles Barkley must have gambled on the Warriors closing out the series in Game 4, because he won’t be available as an analyst the rest of the series. No, Barkley is going to a “fat farm,” he said after the Cavaliers won on Friday, because he’s “embarrassed at how fat” he’s become.

In his playing career, Barkley stood 6’6 and weighed 252 pounds. He’s been a part of the post-game crew on ABC, although it certainly doesn’t have the same magic compared to Inside the NBA after TNT games.

However, Barkley’s admission led to this lovely back-and-forth with Shaquille O’Neal.

Chuck: “I’m going to a fat farm for the next six weeks.” Shaq: “That ain’t going to help you.” Chuck: “It’s going to help me.” Shaq: “You ain’t dedicated.”

After that, Barkley gave a more serious answer.

“I’m embarrassed at how fat I have become. I’ve become lazy. Number one, I’m not healthy. I’m not healthy. Y’all not going to see me, I’ve got to come back for the awards show. But I’m taking the next six weeks to get my fat ass in shape. Not around, so I don’t drink. I’ve got to eat healthy, I’ve got to work out. I’m disappearing until I see y’all.”

Barkley also said the “fat farm” was in San Antonio, although he immediately followed up with his typical San Antonio joke, as he is prone to do. So who knows if that is real or not.

Good for Barkley for getting in shape, at least, though. Anyone can be commended for that.