Is Ernie Johnson Shaq’s Godfather? Exploring TNT Co-Host’s Decade-Long Friendship

Ernie Johnson is set to be inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. The TV veteran has been the captain of the ship for the Inside the NBA show since 1989. Over decades, Johnson has worked with some of the most interesting individuals from the world of basketball.

Shaquille O’Neal marks his name on this list. Shaq and Ernie share a very special relationship, so while the 67-year-old veteran awaits the highest honor, let’s have a look at their decade-old friendship.

Shaquille O’Neal’s journey on Inside the NBA

The show on TNT is an absolute treat for fans. This is the reason they have managed to stay relevant over decades. Apart from Shaq and Johnson, two other characters are a constant: Kenny The Jet Smith and everyone’s favorite, Charles Barkley. While Johnson started the show in 1989, Smith joined him on the panel in 1998. After that, it was time for Sir Charles to take his talents to TV post-retirement, so he joined the show in 2000. The last person to come on board as a permanent member was the NBA’s favorite giant, Shaq, who has been there since 2011.

Everyone’s role on the show is defined, but Shaq and Barkley are the ones who butt heads the most. Smith often takes up the role of an instigator whereas Johnson’s role is to make sure that nothing gets out of hand. On the serious side, the TNT squad is the perfect bunch to talk about basketball. The panel boasts a seasoned sportscaster in Johnson and three seasoned NBA veterans, two of whom (Barkley and Shaq) are Hall of Famers. They bring all their wisdom, accumulated through years of experience and practice to the table and make arguably the best show on sports television.

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Shaquille O’Neal’s relationship with Ernie Johnson

Although all the panelists share a great bond with one another, the “godfather” holds a special place in their hearts. As for Shaq, he has known Johnson since 1989. The Big Man, when he was starting his college career was interviewed by Johnson. He recalled that moment decades later saying, “I watched Inside the NBA as a player for one reason only. On a lonely day in 1989, this [Ernie] guy came to my house. [For Ernie] I always had a affinity, a great respect and great love for you. When Ernie came to my house in 1989, he made me a man in my little army base.”

His love for Johnson is such that he doesn’t even mind going against his longtime friend Charles Barkley. In 2021, when Barkley interrupted Johnson while he was talking to Chris Paul, Shaq got furious on his behalf. The Big Man said, “Charles…interrupt Ernie again. Interrupt Ernie one more time…Interrupt the Godfather one more time.”

It’s safe to say that Shaq really treats the sports TV veteran with the utmost respect and sees him as a father figure. The 4x NBA champion has repeatedly said that he cherishes the bond he shares with Johnson, something which he has created over decades.

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