Phoenix, Ariz. — Charles Barkley, the NBA legend turned TNT analyst, isn’t one to meddle in other folks’ business. But on April 30, he broke his own rule, airing worries about his longtime pal Bill Belichick, the new University of North Carolina football coach, after a CBS interview that’s got the sports world buzzing.
The trouble started April 27, when Belichick, 73, sat down with CBS Sunday Morning to talk shop—football, his new gig at UNC, his legacy. Things went sideways fast. His 24-year-old girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, a former cheerleader, kept cutting in, especially when reporter Tony Dokoupil prodded about how they met. Her interruptions, described as sharp and defensive, turned heads. One moment, when Dokoupil pressed on their relationship, Hudson reportedly stormed out, leaving Belichick to fumble through the rest. The clip went viral, sparking a firestorm of chatter.
Barkley, 62, didn’t mince words during his regular spot on The Dan Patrick Show. “I never talk about people’s personal relationships—that’s a rule I got,” he said, his voice carrying the gravel of a guy who’s seen it all. “But I’m a little concerned with some of the stuff going on.” He admitted he’s mulling a call to Belichick, a friend since the early ’90s, to check in. “It’s not a good look, right? I’ll admit that.”
The interview wasn’t just a PR hiccup. Hudson’s role in Belichick’s world has raised eyebrows. She’s reportedly taken on a managerial gig for the coach, even getting looped into UNC football program emails at Belichick’s request. This, paired with her vocal presence in the CBS sit-down, has folks wondering who’s steering the ship for the famously tight-lipped coach, known for dodging the spotlight during his decades with the New England Patriots.
Dan Patrick, the show’s host, pointed out the oddity: Belichick, a notorious “control freak,” seems to be loosening the reins. Barkley nodded along, saying, “He’s gotta be careful right now—this is a slippery slope.” The concern isn’t just personal. Some, like former Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson, now a Boston radio host, have openly questioned if Belichick’s judgment is clouding his ability to lead UNC’s football program.
Belichick fired back on May 1, issuing a statement through UNC defending Hudson. He called her contributions “valuable” and dismissed the backlash as overblown. But the damage was done. The interview, mocked on everything from Netflix comedy specials to sports talk shows, has dented the coach’s carefully crafted image.
Barkley’s not alone in his unease. The sports world’s abuzz with whispers about Belichick’s choices, both on and off the field. For now, the Hall of Fame hoopster’s keeping his phone ready, hoping a heart-to-heart might clear the air for his old friend.
Belichick was named UNC’s head football coach in December 2024. Hudson, 24, is a former competitive cheerleader. Barkley and Belichick have been friends since the early 1990s. The CBS interview aired on April 27, 2025. Barkley spoke on The Dan Patrick Show on April 30, 2025. Belichick’s statement was released by UNC on May 1, 2025.