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Shaquille O’Neal is a good sport. The world knows that he can take a joke or two. Probably why time and again fans have seen comedians take a dig at him, to which he always responds hilariously. Despite his ability to take a joke, on the recent edition of The Big Podcast, he decided to address and clear a misconception about him as portrayed by comedians. 

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Nischelle Turner and Spice Adam are hosts of The Big Podcast starring Shaq. Each week, the trio record a podcast about topics ranging from new trends to music and sports. In this week’s episode, time was spent discussing whether or not Shaq is cross-eyed. 

Shaquille O’Neal breaks his silence 

For years now, comedians or impersonators have portrayed Shaq to be cross-eyed. But Shaq has now set the record straight. Shaq called comedians like Jay Pharaoh out. “I am not cross-eyed America, okay,” he said

Read More: “You Were Scared Sh*tless at the Free Throw Line”: Shaquille O’Neal Slapped With a Flashback Amid Ben Simmons Onslaught

Meanwhile, Spice Adams believed that Shaq is a little cross-eyed. While Shaq continuously denied this, Adams crossed his eyes and began impersonating Shaq. “I may mumble a little bit, but I’m not cross-eyed.”, he said (in a Shaq-like voice).

This exchange sent Nischelle Turner into a fit of laughter. Shaq couldn’t help but laugh too. Millions of Americans have the condition of a cross-eye, but Shaq seemed adamant to prove that he wasn’t one of them. 

Jay Pharaoh and Shaq’s exchange 

However, this is not the first time Shaq has publicly addressed this. Comedian Jay Pharaoh played Shaq on a Saturday Night Live episode. His portrayal of Shaq included the cross-eye and a beard. NBA on TNT aired this segment on their show. 

via Imago

Shaq’s fellow hosts Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson asked him to rate the impression. Shaq gave Pharaoh a 6 out of 10 and said, “People always say I am cross-eyed. But I am not cross-eyed America. Look”. Following this, the camera zoomed into Shaq’s face.  Jay Pharaoh was offended by the score of six. 

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Pharaoh responded with a 60-second video. What hurt Pharaoh more was that Shaq ranked Kevin Hart’s impression higher than Pharaoh’s. He said, “Are you kidding me? Oh, come on Shaq.” He followed this with another stint of Shaq’s impression. The disagreement between the two continues. 

WATCH THIS STORY: 3 Current NBA Stars Taller than Shaquille O’Neal

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Does Shaq have a cross-eye? Let us know in the comments below! 

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