“Don’t Know What Our Future Holds”: Shaquille O’Neal Bids Emotional Goodbye to TNT Colleague Amidst Legal Battle

Two of the faces of TNT have had very contrasting reactions to the NBA media rights saga. Charles Barkley has been on a campaign to save Inside the NBA and was the most vocal about the situation. The most Shaquille O’Neal did was reassure fans months before the NBA rejected Turner’s matching offer. Now The Big Podcast wrapped another season and O’Neal had a fond exchange with Adam Lefkoe, his colleague from TNT Tuesdays. At the same time, O’Neal subtly expressed his uncertainty about NBA on TNT’s future.

Towards the closing of this week’s episode, Lefkoe revealed he had a great time joining The Big Podcast under the TNT umbrella as a co-host for this season. Insert Shaq’s joke about ranch season(ing). Once he lightened the mood, O’Neal spoke about the possibility of the next season with Lefkoe.

“We had a lot of interesting people, you [Lefkoe] do a wonderful job, looking forward to working with you in the future. I don’t know what our future holds with this TNT thing, but I know we got one year left. So let’s just make it count and then yeah we’ll see what happens after that,” Shaq said on The Big Podcast.

So that indicates O’Neal’s still undecided status in this TNT situation. Speculation is rife that Warner Bros. Discovery would simultaneously negotiate with the Inside Guys as it takes the litigious route with the league. Shaq could possibly opt out of his 10-year contract (in effect since 2022), go elsewhere, or even drop the R-bomb like Chuck did. The new NBA partners, ESPN, Amazon, and NBC have been expressly interested in Shaq, Chuck, Kenny, and Ernie. But their existing contracts could come in the way.

However, Shaq’s comments today show he’s committed to what could be the final season of NBA on TNT, including Inside the NBA, TNT Tuesdays, and The Big Podcast. He’s not going anywhere anytime soon and neither is Adam Lefkoe.

Don’t be mistaken by Adam’s farewell speech. He’s only going to Nigeria with his wife, Dr. Inem Akpan and their son, for a traditional vow renewal in Akpan’s family village. They’ll be back and Lefkoe will resume his TNT duties irrespective of what the future holds.

Charles Barkley outdoes Shaquille O’Neal

Charles Barkley has shown just as much uncertainty as Shaq about TNT’s future. He’s only louder about it. He defied gag orders – which Shaq found hilarious – and slammed the TNT execs for the mishandling of the negotiations. He proceeded to announce his retirement after the next season during the NBA Finals.

TNT attempted to match Amazon’s 11-year package and was shot down last month. Barkley immediately responded that the league put profits over the fans. He, however, doesn’t want WBD to sue the NBA. His colleagues remain mum on the issue and their own futures.

This is the closest to a response we’ve got from Shaq on the matter. And also Lefkoe’s who seems committed to staying for the near future. That leaves us waiting for the new season of The Big Podcast too with bated breaths.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.