No, Shaq Is Not ‘Fired’ — Shaquille O’Neal’s Inside the NBA Comment Explained

Legendary basketball player Shaquille O’Neal caused a stir with an NSFW remark during a TNT halftime show while covering the NBA match between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder. Some are now questioning if this incident might lead to Shaq being let go from his commentating role.

Here are all the details on whether Shaq was fired.

What was Shaq’s NSFW comment about getting fired?

On Thursday evening in San Francisco, Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, fellow analysts on Inside the NBA, engaged in a race that was broadcast live on TNT. Shaq crossed the finish line first by reaching the video board at the back of the set. Exhausted, he returned to his seat and exclaimed, “Just like Marshawn Lynch would say, I’m beat, America. We’re getting fired anyway, Ernie, what difference does it make?

Shaq’s words left his fellow co-hosts – Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson – in fits of laughter. Over time, Shaq and Barkley have engaged in numerous races that have evolved into a recurring tradition, almost a staple of the show. So far, it appears that the retired basketball star hasn’t faced dismissal from his role.

On previous occasions, Shaquille O’Neal has been known to use profanity in front of a live audience. There have been multiple instances throughout his career where he has resorted to swearing, dating back to his days as a player. For instance, in February 2020, during CNN’s tribute to Kobe Bryant, Shaq employed a different form of the F-word while speaking.

Regarded as one of the best basketball players ever, Shaquille O’Neal boasts four NBA titles (2000-2002, 2006), three NBA Finals MVP awards (2000-2002), and a single season as the NBA’s Most Valuable Player (2000). He also added an Olympic gold medal to his collection with Team USA at the 1996 Atlanta Games, and another title, the FIBA World Championship, in Toronto, Ontario, in 1994. Post-retirement, Shaq has made a name for himself as a well-liked sports commentator.

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2025-02-14 13:41