Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley have been two of the few who haven’t been big fans of the NIL. “a travesty and a disgrace,” Chuck had described it, disappointed that a few programs would become irrelevant upon not meeting the same NIL opportunities as others. The Big Diesel, on the other hand, believed they were becoming only a reason for parents to lay more pressure on athletes. But NIL deals aren’t exactly limited to college, as per Gilbert Arenas’ view of things, and these two might just be benefiting themselves.

“All those athletes on ESPN and TNT and them all, you know they don’t have degrees… and they have the same job as somebody who had to go to school for that same degree,” Arenas notes on Gil’s Arena podcast. He continues to add that, that’s the leverage of being an athlete. “So we can say Shaquille O’Neal NIL deal, Charles Barkley NIL deal is 20 years at a job that doesn’t require [degree].”

To build on it, he evidences Ernie Johnson’s situation as a long-time analyst at TNT.

“Ernie had to pay to go to school, right? He had to get an education, he had to graduate. He had to get a diploma to make less money than Shaquille O’Neal,” Arenas opines.

Shaq is reported to make $10 million before tax with his TNT contract while Johnson’s was estimated at $5 million early last year but could have seen a raise with Inside the NBA contract extensions. The TNT analyst of 30 years got his degree from the University of Georgia, majoring in journalism, and has arguably been the network’s most celebrated. Shaq and Chuck, on the other hand, run with decades of on-court experience with considerable following. Arenas’ argument paints a similar picture at the collegiate level.

The Washington Wizards’ star explains how athletes get paid to attend college and participate in sports. Whereas other students have to pay for the same degree. Being a college star could also land you a job easier in the city as compared to the rest if you don’t make it to the pros. “my NIL deal is me being an ex-player,” he says.

The NCAA rule change in 2021 made sure that student-athletes earn profits from their name, image, and likeness deals. Also, with the rise of social media, many athletes have become social media influencers, and thus make upwards of six-and-seven figures. Paige Bueckers, who currently has a $1.4 million NIL value, gave her view recently. “I get paid to do stuff that I dreamed of doing. It’s really crazy,” she admitted.

But interestingly, Charles Barkley is with Arenas on this but on a much broader view and no students to blame.

Shaquille O’Neal’s co-host Barkley has been against NIL

“How did we become so bad as a society that we’re actually ruining college sports- one of the greatest way for most people in the world to get a free education.” Last year, Charles Barkley made sure to question every household, where the money aspect of NIL was given more priority over education.

Just to make it clear, the 76ers legend is not against students making money. “And I don’t blame the kids cause listen, if they had to offer me millions of dollars, I’d be going to a certain school too.” But his beef is against the lawmakers and people who are responsible for keeping this situation safe.

“See, that pisses me off already. Our politicians are awful people…Democrats and Republicans- they’re all crooks.” So Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal have problems with how the NIL deals might affect the student-athletes’ future adversely. But one also can’t deny the exposure young talents like Paige Bueckers are receiving either.

“Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.”