Shaquille O’Neal Threatens Stephen A. Smith After New Studio Debut: “Im a Have to Call TEX JOHNSON”

Shaq is not liking that a rival got an upgrade. Stephen A. Smith unveiled his brand new studio for his self-titled show and it’s making Shaquille O’Neal jealous. Smith’s rapidly popular YouTube channel is getting bigger and better. With it, the host will also get bolder. O’Neal tried to curb that with a little threat.

While Shaq’s statement left many fans puzzled, it actually a contained a reference to an older prank that the 4-time champion pulled on the ESPN analyst.

Shaquille O’Neal threatens to be ESPN Veteran’s first guest

Stephen A. Smith was hinting at changes coming to his popular podcast/YouTube show. It’s here in a grand way. Smith revealed his fantastic talk show-grade studio to host his eponymous show this week. However, a big man at TNT was not happy with Smith’s promotion.

Shaquille O’Neal was quick to react on Instagram with a shady statement to his ESPN rival. “uh oh @stephenasmith gotta new studio, he betta stay off @dallascowboys or im a have to call TEX JOHNSON.” You’d have to be deep into Shaq-lore to make the connection.

Smith and O’Neal are somewhat bantering friends. In September, Shaq called in on ESPN’s First Take with a Texan accent. His hardcore Lone Star identity also went by “Tex Johnson.” Tex Johnson loves the Dallas Cowboys and he won’t tolerate any slander to them from Smith.

However, the veteran sportscaster identified Shaq in seconds despite his insistence that he’s not the Los Angeles Lakers legend. The hilarious act cracked up Smith on air.

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In real life, Shaq too is a big fan of the Cowboys. He’s predicted that Smith won’t hold back behind his swanky new desk when it comes to his faves. So he’s sent a pre-emptive threat to be nice to his favorite NFL team.

If memory serves, Smith preferred Tex Johnson over Big Diesel. So this threat is not going to do its magic. Maybe instead Shaq should join Smith in his new studio.

The Big Aristotle is a method actor

Other than talking passionately about the Cowboys, another place Shaq’s commitment shows is in pranks.

Even though it was failing to work on Smith, O’Neal was determined to see his act through the end. “This ain’t Shaq, it’s Tex Johnson,” said O’Neal… er… Tex Johnson.

“I want you to talk about the Cowboys now, son. 2-0, shut your face. Shut your face! This is Tex Johnson from Abilene, Texas. How you doin’, son? 2-0 baby, Cowboys’ nation forever. What up, Stephen A.?,” remarked the big actor.

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This warrants Smith getting Tex – apologies – Shaq to his new studio so they can debate the Cowboys. Our money is on Smith not making it to the end without laughing. How do you see the in-person meeting between Shaq/Tex Johnson and Smith going?