Being 7-foot-1 tall and 300-400 pounds has its perks in the NBA. However, that length and weight can cause massive issues in real life, as Shaquille O’Neal learned the hard way at Knott’s Berry Farm.
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Two years ago, the Hall of Famer recalled visiting the theme park in 2009 and having a terrible experience on one of the rides due to his massive frame. He shared a screenshot of a tweet he had posted after his awful outing. In his original rant, he wrote,
“I’m at knots berry farms n my bu**s 2 big 2 fit in da seats on ride. ahhhhhh (dats me yellin).”
Throwback pic.twitter.com/MwKvI3oCjo
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) August 3, 2022
As someone always up for an adventure, O’Neal was undoubtedly excited to visit the iconic theme park, which opened its doors in 1920 and is still operational. It’s also known as America’s first theme park or the friendliest place in the West. Unfortunately, the Lakers icon’s experience wasn’t as pleasant as advertised.
If O’Neal reshared the post expecting sympathy, or perhaps to urge Knott’s Berry Farm to install bigger seats so he could enjoy the rides, his mission failed as fans mercilessly poked fun at the Hall of Famer. One asked if he ever managed to get rid of the ‘big’ issue.
Is it still too big?
— Mike P (@mikepat711) August 5, 2022
Another fan opined that O’Neal should have known he had no chance of fitting into those seats.
Dude! I’m only 6-4 and can’t fit in those. What were you thinking? Much love Shaq!
— stickball_willy (2024 Padres. 87-75) (@StickballWilly) August 4, 2022
One fan jokingly lauded the significant improvement in the vernacular he used on social media.
Your handle on the English language has come a long way buddy.
— Sticks ‘n Stones (@SticksStones100) August 3, 2022
Another joked that he likely wishes he could go back to the size he was when he posted about his terrible experience.
I bet you’d like to throwback to your 2009 butt size as well.
— Jake Murray (@jakekmurray) August 4, 2022
O’Neal did go back to that weight a year after he reposted the rant. In September 2023, he revealed that he had lost 55 pounds and gotten into the same shape he was towards the end of his career. He also claimed he intended to continue getting slimmer. Hopefully, he’ll lose enough weight to enjoy Knott’s Berry Farm without his size causing a hindrance.
