Video: How Did Charles Barkley Compare To Other Athletes Hosting SNL?

By Scott Harris Posted Jan 10th 2010 09:21AM

It's a busy time in the world of sports, as some of the biggest events of the year are about to hit your television. The NFL playoffs. The Winter Olympics. The NHL All-Star Game. But most important of all ... Charles Barkley hosting 'Saturday Night Live.'

Yes, the Round Mound of Rebound brought his unique joie de vivre to the venerable sketch comedy show Saturday. It's not the first time Sir Charles has hosted the show, of course; he also headlined the show back in 1993, meaning his return engagement puts him in elite company among the few athletes who have been tapped as return hosts.

A Sample of Barkley on SNL ... and More Sports Stars Below

Perhaps the most successful hosting effort by an athlete in 'Saturday Night Live' history was turned in by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. The three time league MVP appeared on the show back in 2007 and spoofed his squeaky image in this now-classic parody of a United Way commercial.

Where there's Peyton Manning, of course, there must also be arch-rival Tom Brady. Coming off his of third Super Bowl win back in 2004, Brady's appearance on 'SNL' included this snarky look at professional jealousy among his quarterbacking brethren.

One of the best known examples of an athlete hosting 'Saturday night Live,' is, naturally, the legendary Michael Jordan, who appeared on the show back in 1991. Among his classic skits were his tete-a-tete with Al Franken's Stuart Smalley character and this roundtable discussion of Bears coach Mike Ditka's abilities with the Super Fans.

If there's anyone who has a chance to live up to Jordan's legacy on the court, it's superstar LeBron James. King James tried his hand at following in Jordan's 'SNL' footsteps as well (and trust us, walking on your hands is pretty hard) when he helmed the show back in 2007.

Bicycling champion Lance Armstrong has a leg up on most of his fellow athlete-hosts, as he's pulled in seven Tour De France wins, which tops even Jordan's six titles. His appearance as host of the show in 2005 wasn't quite as dominant, but he did have some kick, as shown in this triathlon skit.

Even though former wrestling star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has left his athletic days behind him for the brighter lights of Hollywood, there are still plenty of fans who remember him best form his days cooking it up inside the square circle. His crossover appeal is undeniable, though: he's the only athlete to have hosted the show three times.

Not all stints by athletes are quite as well received as "The Rock," however. While Michael Phelps certainly gave his best effort during his 2008 appearance, the results were generally a little short of medal contention. Here's one of his better -- if not smoother -- efforts from the evening.

This clip from Hall of Fame running back Walter Peyton's 1987 appearance proves a few things. Firstly, comedic timing is not necessary to be an NFL great. Secondly, everyone loves making fun of kickers. And thirdly, it's difficult to transfer footage from VHS to Youtube successfully.

Finally, we thought it would only be appropriate to bring you a clip from Barkley's first hosting appearance. His musical guest that night? Nirvana, of course. So what do Charles Barkley and the icons of Nirvana talk about when they are waiting for the cameras to roll? As this somewhat awkward behind the scenes footage shows, the answer is: nothing.

Tags: saturday night live, SaturdayNightLive

Comments

(27)

Sunday 10 January

By linyulin005

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dfsdgfdsfdsfd

By Bob Smith

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Just another loud mouth wannabe.

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By bfgair

Sir Charles should stick to something he knows how to do and that is eating and playing with ho's. He is an embarasment to the whole human race. He was at best a second rate basketball player when he was here in Phoenix that excelled at three things EATING, SCREWING EVERY THING THAT WOULDN'T YELL TO MUCH AND SPOUTING OF HIS OVERSIZED MOUTH. PLEASE TELL HIM HIS 15 MIN ARE UP. GET THE HOOK FRED.

Monday 11 January

By dj

AGREED

By mike hulgin

Gotta tell ya, that guy cracks me up. Some people don't like the guy, but I sure do. His Golf swing is as funny as he is.

By Bulls

That HONESTLY was one of the WORST Sat. Night Live shows that I've EVER seen...and there have been many BAD ones. I can't honestly remember even SMILING at any skit. It was absolutely TERRIBLE and un-funny. Who writes their CRAP???

By DS

Tina Fay hails as the 'Head' writer...Barkley has the slowest mind in the existance of 'Man'. The show is usually ruined within the first few minutes as often as it is on. At times it's hard to believe it is still airing. No voice Keyes didn't help the show either. I agree, no smile came out, not even an eye movement. One of the worst SNLs ever as in many other airings before it. Slow-ass illiterate Barkley is and was a flop!!

By Hannah Smith

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Lousy show last night...Barkley had to go to the teleprompter the entire time. He was terrible. He couldn't deliver a punchline at all. Alicia Keyes was the only thing worth watching.

By Caleigh

I thought this was one of the better shows this season, he is funny, who knew.

By moodytwos

I thought he was pretty funny. Let's remember, he's an ex-athlete, not an actor.

By Steve

Barkley has always been an embarrassment to the people around him and I'm sure last night was no exception which is why I didn't watch SNL. Ever since his poor sportsmanship in the Barcelona Olympics in which he should have been sent packing for embarrassing the US team, he has been a total ass.

By yellowlab1002

Barkley is a "Legend In His Own Mind". He's as close to illiterate as one gets and still be allowed to roam about in society. What would Harry Reid have to say about Barkley??!!

By lolabull

I'd probably like Barkley if he wasn't such a big, loud-mouthed, fat, milk-dud headed, bigot? But with that being said, I'm sure he and Keyes got along famously during the week?

By Jennifer DiBello

Charles Barkley stunk eggs.

By mimi

Manning has been the best SNL host so far. I couldn't stop laughing after watching the clip again.

By Richard Serra

He had a few moments, but should stick to his game. He brought down the show. Amazing how a guest can either make or break a particular show for the week.

By Gary

Barkley is a hit. The "round Mmound" is articulate and funny.

By Aidan

Charles Barkley was a great host last night. I wish Derek Jeter would host again.

By milboka

Barkley is so hilarious I fell off my chair, he's humble and yet still the man!

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