Bob Barker On Alleged "The Price Is Right" Host Slam: "I Would Not Criticize Drew Carey"

NEW YORK (CBS) Retired game show host Bob Barker is saying his seemingly controversial statements about current "The Price Is Right" host Drew Carey were not meant to be criticism.

PICTURES: Drew Carey Is "Right" 
PICTURES: Bob Barker: "Come On Down!"

On Tuesday, 86-year-old game show host suggested to TMZ in Los Angeles that Carey was a unexciting host, saying that Carey "does the show differently than I did...I tried to make the show really exciting, and he doesn't do that. He just plays the games."

Barker has reportedly "explained" those statements, telling EW.com: "I would not criticize Drew Carey. I would not criticize this show. I would not criticize CBS. I would not criticize Fremantle Media [which produces the TV show] because I have a sizable royalty that I am paid every year this show is on, and it's going on for years. I would be an absolute fool. I hope this show stays on for years.

"As for Drew, he's been charming and complimentary, and he had me on the show to plug my book 'Priceless Memories.' He devoted half of the show to me! He's a charming man, and kind and gracious. To think that I would say anything derogatory about him is idiocy."

Barker hosted the classic game show for 35 years before handing the reins over to Carey.