“I Shoved the Microphone in His Face”: Chaos Over Free Food From Shaquille O’Neal Described by Houston Journalist

Be it the NBA arena or a dance floor, people gather in huge numbers to catch a glimpse of the legendary Shaquille O’Neal. Just recently at the opening of Shaq’s Big Chicken restaurant, we saw chaos erupt in Houston, Texas. All Shaq was doing was making a public appearance for the restaurant’s opening. But, that’s what’s so legendary about his legacy. People come out in huge crowds just to see him. This is both a boon and a bane for him, as clearly expresses on his dear friend Monica’s radio talk show.

In fact, the entire restaurant experience was also covered live by a Houston-based journalist. The journalist’s experience is now going viral on the internet.

Of course, if any journalist gets to see Shaquille O’Neal, they’re going to speak to him. Then again, one might have to break through the massive crowd to get to the seven-footer. Here is how a journalist did it.

Houston-based journalist describes Shaquille O’Neal’s recent restaurant opening

Shaquille O’Neal’s franchise ‘Big Chicken’ recently announced the opening of 150 new branches across the United States. Of those 150, there’s one opened up in Houston.

Promoting his restaurant, The Diesel promised people he’ll be there at the grand opening. The franchise, too, promoted the event, along with free food during the inauguration.

Unsurprisingly, a large mass of people gathered to see Shaq and grab a bite of ‘big chicken.’ ‘Houston Life’s’ Melanie Camp was present at the occasion to cover the restaurant opening.

In a recent video on Houston Life’s YouTube channel, Melanie Camp reveals how the day went at the newly opened restaurant.

As she puts it, she was desperate on getting O’Neal’s interview. Seeing the crowd and chaos, she realizes she has a snowball’s chance in hell to get the Big Man’s interview. But she tried to speak to the Los Angeles Lakers legend.

Showing footage from Shaq’s restaurant opening, Mel Camp said, “Look at the crowd here. This is actually when he[O’Neal] tried to leave. I was like ‘Oh wait hang on I haven’t got an interview yet.’ He walked past and I shoved the microphone in his face.”

Mel Camp then spilled the beans on the hilarious question she had asked Shaq.

Mel Camp’s hilarious question and Shaquille O’Neal’s response

After shoving the microphone in Shaq’s face, Mel Camp shot an iconic question at the four-time champion. “Are you the big chicken around here?,” she asked Shaq. “Yes. Everyone knows Shaq loves Houston. I’ve been living here 25 years. If you’re in the area come on down and check out my new Big Chicken restaurant,” said Shaquille O’Neal.

READ MORE: After Ex-Wife’s Marriage to Another Man, Shaquille O’Neal Admits What He Told Her

In the footage, as pointed out by the hosts, the Diesel was trying hard not to reply to Mel Camp with a joke. Had it been some other occasion, Shaq would surely have let loose his vibrant side to answer if he was the ‘big chicken around.’

WATCH THIS STORY: Did Michael Jordan Play in 1994? Was Shaquille ONeal The Last Player to Beat MJ in The NBA Playoffs?

What do you think of Mel Camp’s Shaquille O’Neal story? Have you seen Shaq? Let us know in the comments below.