Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal is known primarily for dominating the NBA across 19 spectacular seasons. The Hall-of-Famer accomplished many awards during his era, but may better be known for his off the court antics and his larger-than-life personality.
Upon his retirement, O’Neal transitioned smoothly into the television spotlight, becoming a NBA analyst for NBA on TNT and NBA TV and beginning his own featured segment called ‘Shaqtin’ A Fool’ which takes a look around the NBA at the blunders and miscues from NBA players, allowing those watching a chance to witness the hilarious side of the NBA.
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O’Neal doesn’t let that stop him from giving his own hilarious anecdotes, even singling out players such as JaVale McGee when given the opportunity. Many players take the recognition in stride, allowing them an opportunity to reflect and laugh upon themselves.
But it seems as though some players take it more personally than others. According to ‘Shaqtin’ A Fool’ director Mike Goldfarb, one NBA player had his agent reach out to stop his appearances on the show:
True story: A consensus top-5 NBA player actually had his agent call Shaq's agent to ask Shaq to keep his client off Shaqtin' a Fool. ???
— Mike Goldfarb (@MikeGoldFool) December 28, 2016
The top-5 reveal surely came as a surprise, as it allowed fans to speculate upon which player it was. When examining the top names in the NBA, certain names have stood our more so than others.
It should be noted that Goldfarb wasn’t the first person to bring attention to this. During a recent game between on TNT between the Miami Heat and the Lakers, O’Neal brought up the request and left Reggie Miller speechless:
You guys do realize Shaq himself revealed this story — on air — last week, right? Lol why do people care *now* all the sudden? ? pic.twitter.com/jcm9qR0lpb
— Mike Goldfarb (@MikeGoldFool) December 29, 2016
Names like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and James Harden have been brought up, which has to do more so with their past and how they have handled other situations.
Goldfarb also went ahead and reminded his Twitter following that ‘Shaqtin’ A Fool’ offers a golden ticket. When a NBA player knows they have committed a forgettable play, all they need to do is post the link with the golden ticket, banning them from being included on the show.
While many NBA fans continue to speculate which player it was, O’Neal ended the conversation by stating that he won’t reveal the name of the player and is leaving it up to his fans to decide.
