Charles Barkley makes it a point not to get into it with players. As an NBA analyst for TNT, it’s just a sound code.

The former NBA and Auburn star weighed in on Shannon Sharpe’s verbal altercation with the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.

“Reporters should never get into it with players,” Barkley said Wednesday during an interview on Sirius XM NBA radio. “That’s just my rule of thumb because we get paid to talk about these guys. And, if you hate guys or don’t get along with guys, you’re going to be somewhat biased whether you believe it or not.”

Sharpe apologized Monday for his actions Friday night at the Grizzlies-Lakers game.

The “Undisputed” host opened his show talking about his role in a sideline altercation with multiple Grizzlies players and the father of Memphis star Ja Morant on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Ja Morant missed his first five shots and was 2 of 10 with six points in the first half before he had a heated courtside conversation with Sharpe — the Pro Football Hall of Famer and Fox Sports personality — before halftime.

Tee Morant – Ja’s father – was seen coming up to Sharpe and the larger altercation from the side, and the two had to be separated by security.

“I’m not saying anybody was right or wrong but I’m saying as a guy who’s on television, I could never get into it with the players. That’s just my rule of thumb,” Barkley said.