Shaquille O’Neal is known for his fun and larger-than-life personality on and off the court. It’s been 12 years since Shaq last stepped on the basketball court. Nevertheless, he still seems to be present in the everyday conversations of NBA fans. Whether in the postgame shows or as DJ Diesel, Shaq knows how to keep the crowd engaged. An article by The Rolling Stones from 1993 mentions how Shaq dodged annoying questions from the media in the most mischievous way possible. Shaq pranked a USA Today reporter saying he would retire by 25. Do keep in mind that Shaq, at that time, was a freshly drafted 21-year-old NBA prospect touted to do wonders in the league with the Orlando Magic. Shaq’s answer might have created shockwaves amongst the media personnel present at that interview.
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Being a celebrity can be pretty overwhelming sometimes. This can get aggravated further when you are surrounded by the media and hounded over interviews. Shaq was getting bored of being asked the same basketball questions.
Shaquille O’Neal once pranked the media about his retirement for asking him repetitive questions
Shaq was drafted to the NBA in 1992 by the Orlando Magic. After a phenomenal first season, he was awarded the Rookie of the Year Award in 1993. The same year, another tragedy struck the NBA as Michael Jordan announced his first retirement after his father’s death.
This led to several reporters and media personnel comparing Shaq with MJ. When a USA Today reporter asked if he would play in the NBA till 30, Shaq thought he would mess around. He replied to the reporter,
“I’ll be retired already. I’m going to quit at 25.”
While the shocked reporter gathered himself and scribbled on his notepad, Shaq would glance at his friends across the room and wink. This was one of the first instances of Shaq being a goofy and fun character in the NBA.
Shaq would play till age 39 and retired only in 2011 while at the Boston Celtics. He has had an illustrious career in the NBA, winning four championships (including a three-peat with the Lakers), becoming a three-time Finals MVP, and had 15 All-Star appearances over the years.
Shaq has become a larger-than-life figure beyond his aura as a great basketball player. He is a successful businessman, a famous actor, a funky DJ, and he also has an honorary Ph.D.
Shaq changed himself from being a bully to a clown and goofy figure
Shaq was a bully back in his school days. He had once almost caused a kid to have a seizure which would have turned fatal. However, when he was called out by his friends and disciplined by his mother, he went for a Plan B. This new plan was to be a class clown and a funny guy.
Shaq admits that this stayed with him forever. Shaq continues to be the goofiest person around anyone. Several fans find his behavior extremely adorable, one of the major reasons why he is loved by so many people worldwide.
