Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley came to the defense of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky on Thursday, calling out critics in Canada who have attacked Gretzky over his friendship with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Barkley addressed the issue during Inside the NBA, expressing frustration over what he sees as unfair treatment of “The Great One.”

“That’s crazy how great Gretzky is,” Barkley said on the broadcast. “And you got them fools up in Canada giving ‘The Great One’ a hard time. I went off on them today on the podcast… I was in that mood today… Wayne Gretzky is the greatest hockey player ever. He’s the nicest person.”

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Co-host Kenny Smith jumped in to emphasize Gretzky’s well-known nickname. “His nickname is ‘The Great One,’” Smith reminded Barkley.

Unknown date, 1997; Miami, FL; USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Rangers forward Wayne Gretzky (99) on the ice without a helmet during the 1997-98 season against the Florida Panthers at Miami Arena. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

“I know,” Barkley responded, “but the fools up in Canada gave him a hard time because of the tariff with Trump and everything. He has nothing to do with that. He played hockey. He’s the greatest hockey player ever. He got no control of what these fools do down here in our government.”

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Gretzky has maintained a close friendship with President Trump and has been an open supporter of him in the past.

That connection has led to criticism from some Canadians, particularly during the Trump administration’s trade negotiations that included discussions on tariffs.

At one point, Trump even joked about Canada becoming the “51st state,” a remark that fueled further controversy.

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Though many of the initial tariffs proposed by Trump were later adjusted or withdrawn, tensions between the two countries lingered.

Canadian fans have demonstrated their dissatisfaction in various ways, including booing the U.S. national anthem at NBA, MLS, NHL, and other international sporting events.

Despite the backlash, Gretzky has remained a respected figure in the hockey world and beyond.

The former Edmonton Oilers star is widely regarded as the greatest player in the history of the sport and has continued to be an ambassador for the game.

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Barkley, never one to hold back his opinions, made it clear that he believes Gretzky should be left out of political disputes.

His comments add to ongoing discussions about the intersection of sports and politics, particularly as public figures and athletes face increased scrutiny over their personal associations.

Neither Gretzky nor his representatives have responded publicly to the latest criticism from Canadian fans.

However, with Barkley stepping in to defend him, the debate over whether sports legends should be judged for their political friendships is likely to continue.

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