Charles Barkley leaps out of skin after huge object falls from ceiling of NBA on TNT set on live TV

When “the largest” and most unexpected object ever dropped from the TNT roof, basketball legend Charles Barkley leaped like never before.

A stunning moment interrupted Barkley’s live interview with fellow NBA commentators Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson on TNT.

They had hardly begun to discuss the action when an ALLIGATOR slammed into the table in front of Barkley.

He also rarely moved so quickly in his 16 NBA seasons with the Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers!

Barkley flinched in surprise, but his co-stars, who appeared to be well-informed, erupted in laughter.

But the 61-year-old himself also instantly broke into a smile, which was probably aided by the realization that it was just a rubber gator.

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With NBA on TNT posting the uncommon reptilian meeting on social media, viewers adored the unexpected interruption.

It was even disclosed that “that is the largest thing we’ve ever dropped out of the ceiling.”

However, TNT acknowledged that the unconventional encounter might give them a headache.

“Studio J may have a gator problem,” they joked.

Fans, however, were not alarmed by the jape and ‘claws for worry’.

“Studio J is taking ‘drop the mic’ to a whole new level with that gator surprise!” said one, while another said it was “too funny.”

“They’re going to give Chuck a heart attack, lol,” said a third.

A fourth also commended the show for the timing of the visit.

“It’s unbelievable that they led us to believe that this show was ending,” he stated. There is no way.

It’s better gator than never, after all.