Shaquille O’Neal wanted to quit Inside the NBA after an incident with Charles Barkley.
After 19 years in the NBA, Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal transitioned into as sports analyst role with Inside the NBA show.
Since his debut on the show in 2011, O’Neal has become a fan-favorite, thanks to his unfiltered takes and hilarious chemistry with his co-hosts.
Shaq is usually seen bantering with NBA legend Charles Barkley on the show as the two stars have developed an unlikely friendship.
Basketball fans have become used to O’Neal and Chuck pulling each other’s legs on the program. However, Ernie Johnson recently narrated an unheard story about the two NBA legends.
In an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, Johnson revealed: “I’ve seen Shaq get hot. One night he got mad because Chuck took all his time. Then he just kind of clammed up and he didn’t want to talk, didn’t want to be part of the show.”
“The next day, he didn’t even talk to me. I’d look at him during the show, ask him questions, and get three-word answers,” he added.
This wasn’t an isolated incident as Johnson revealed The Big Aristotle is very sensitive.
“There have been a couple of times when he’ll get a little sensitive. I don’t know how mad he’ll get, but he’ll clam up a little bit, and then you’re pulling teeth.”
Considering Shaq hardly thinks twice before calling out players on Inside the NBA, it’s surprising to learn that he doesn’t like it when he’s on the receiving end.
Moreover, O’Neal is notorious for pulling pranks and making life difficult for his teammates during his time in the NBA.
While O’Neal has gotten angry multiple times, Johnson revealed Barkley is someone who hardly ever gets mad on the show.
“I don’t know that I’ve ever really seen Chuck very mad. Chuck comes in every night the same way, ‘Hey, let’s have some fun tonight.”
Whether you love or hate Barkley’s takes on the NBA, it’s always good to know that he wants to have fun on the set.
It’s something that Shaq should learn from his longtime co-host. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be a surprise if a few cracks start to open between O’Neal and the rest of the crew in the future.
