“Sorry I Can’t Reply”: After Making History, Shaquille O’Neal’s ‘God-Father’ Breaks His Silence Over 76ers Legend’s Loving Public Gesture

Commentators and analysts play an integral part in the NBA. Over time, they have developed a pretty good fan following too. These individuals have the chance to be part of the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. And recently, a broadcaster who’s widely known as the ‘godfather’ of Shaquille O’Neal made it to the news by being inducted into the prestigious institution. After 40 years of broadcasting excellence, the 66-year-old learned of his induction in spectacular fashion.

By the looks of it, he didn’t know that he was being inducted and got informed about it on live TV. Of course, his reaction was priceless.

Big Diesel’s ‘god-father’ invited into the Broadcaster’s HOF on Live TV

A year after his retirement from playing, Shaq joined TNT’s “Inside the NBA” crew. It’s his colleague, renowned broadcaster Ernie Johnson Jr., that was recently given the honor. Ernie was doing what he does best, talking on a sports talk show when none other than Charles Barkley confirmed the news, that too on his TNT show, Inside the NBA.

Ernie, at first, couldn’t believe what Barkley told him and replied, “Get outta here. Charles, what are you talking about?”

But after processing the situation, he further said, “That is awesome. Thank you so much. You know what,  I am taking the rest of the day off! Thank you, guys. Whoever is responsible for that, whoever votes on that, I am humbled beyond words. So, thank you so much, means the world to me. Been at this for thirty-four years, at the same place, you know, for forty years in broadcasting and I am stunned.”

It’s a truly historic moment for the TNT host. Having commentated on several generations of NBA talent, there might be one that is closest to EJ’s heart.

The Shaquille O’Neal – Ernie ‘God-father’ connection

The Shaq-Ernie connection is still going strong. Back in 2021, Charles Barkley interrupted Ernie while he was interviewing Chris Paul and Shaq remarked at Ernie as the ‘Godfather’.

Post-retirement, being an analyst for TNT’s ‘Inside the NBA’ is one of the several hats that Shaq has worn. He has hosted the show with Ernie, Kenny and Barkley for over a decade. After the historic announcement, Ernie tweeted, thanking everyone who has replied to him on the induction. He wrote, “To have my brother Charles drop this on me made it even more special. Sorry I can’t reply to all who sent their congrats but I am so thankful for each.”

The Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame was formed in 2007 and inducts several broadcasters every year after a vote. While the list of all the inductees isn’t out yet, last year, the Committee inducted Roger Godell, Ross Greenburg, Manolo Romero, Deena Sheldon, and others.

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There’s no remark from Shaq about Ernie being inducted as yet. But that is likely to change soon. We’ll keep you updated when that happens!

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