Reggie Miller & Charles Barkley Boycotting NBA 2K19, And NBRPA President Weighs In

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We are about a week and a half before NBA 2k19 is unleashed on to the world on September 11; players who pre-order the game will receive it on September 7, 2018. Two Hall of Famers will not be in this year’s version of NBA 2k19. Earlier this year Charles Barkley was a guest on the Scoop B Radio Podcast, and Sir Charles confirmed that his likeness would not be on the video, “Unless they give the retired players X amount of money, they cannot use my likeness.” “And I think I’m not even going to think about that anymore. They’re gonna give some money to the retired players, or they’ll never be able to use my likeness, period… My job is to take care of the older players.” Said Barkley.

The other Hall of Famer that will not be featured in the game is Reggie Miller. During the 2018 NBA All-star weekend, Miller confirmed why he is not in the video game via Instagram live during a Q&A session, and it is due to not being offered proper compensation for his likeness.

The legalities of licensing can be very difficult and according to an interview USA Today had with 2k’s Ronnie Singh:

“Some players don’t want to do it because they have no interest in the gaming space for a variety of philosophical reasons,” Said Singh “We would honestly want everybody that we could have in the game to the best of our abilities.”

The CEO and President of the Retired Players Association, Scott Rochelle recent drop by Scoop B Radio to discuss licensing.

“Would we like to receive a larger chunk from 2K? Of course! As president and CEO, it’s my job to go out and get more money for the players, but 2K has to sit down and work it out directly with Barkley because those are the two parties that are really involved. Would we be a beneficiary? Of course, I’m not turning that down, but it has to be more than just talk. And I think that as the association itself grows and builds upon its ability to market and monetize the players, we should be in a position to probably broker that deal, or at least have that conversation.” Said Rochelle

“However, there are ten licensing fees that the NBA is using for the retired player fees. So, you’re talking about photos, jersey sales, those are all uses of likeness. That’s going to give you a ballpark estimate of how much is being paid out. Is it enough for your tournament players to make money off of? No. But, is it a good check? Oh, for sure. Because every year when the checks come out and those two usually get a check, know that those checks come with two periods, our phones start ringing. So they know, and we make sure the addresses are right all those different things. You know, some people may say it’s not enough money, some guys are probably very happy with it, it just depends on their life and how they’ve transitioned, and where they are financially.”

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Tags: Brandon Scoop B Robinson, Charles Barkley, NBA 2k, Reggie Miller, Ronnie Singh, Scott Rochelle, The Hype Magazine

About the Author

Landon Buford Washington State Graduate Past Interviews include Grammy Award Winner Kenny G, David Banner, WNBA President Lisa Borders, What's Trending's CEO Shira Lazar, Ice Cube, NBC's Chicago PD LaRoyce Hawkins, Family Matters Darius McCrary, En Vogues Maxine Jones, Team USA Track & Field Member Norris Frederick, James Kyson, WNBA Great Lauren Jackson, and more.