Charles Barkley, Shaq rip 'boring a--' Salt Lake City; state lawmaker urges ex-stars to 'do better'

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Basketball Hall of Famers Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal had nothing really great to say about NBA All-Star Game host site Salt Lake City on Sunday night.

It was the first time Salt Lake City hosted the event since 1993. Team Giannis defeated Team LeBron 184-175 as Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum won the game’s MVP award. While it looked like the players were having fun on the court, the festivities off it – or lack thereof – did not sit well with Barkley and O’Neal.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Giannis Antetokounmpo hold up the winning team trophy after the NBA basketball All-Star game Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

"These people are going to heaven," Barkley said on the TNT broadcast of the game. "Ain’t nothing to do in this boring a-- city."

O’Neal added, "I never ate so much room service in my life."

Barkley, who played for the Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns during his career, explained why he found Utah’s capital city so boring.

Team LeBron forward LeBron James, #6, reacts during the first half of the NBA basketball All-Star game Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, in Salt Lake City.  (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

LEBRON JAMES LEAVES NBA ALL-STAR GAME WITH HAND INJURY

"Can't smoke, can't drink; these people going to heaven," he added.

The comments did not sit well with one state lawmaker at least.

"Super disappointing take," State Sen. Nate Blouin, D-Salt Lake, tweeted. "Do better Shaq and Charles! Bet y'all were just cooped up in the all star VIP areas and didn't even get into the city, and are just perpetuating a reputation we're working hard to change."