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Shaquille O’Neal has always been larger than life—both on and off the court. From dominating the paint as an NBA superstar to building an empire as a businessman, Shaq never does things halfway. But this Valentine’s Day, he took things to a whole new level—with an AI-generated date featuring none other than Marilyn Monroe.
Yes, you read that right. The Big Diesel surprised the internet by posting a video of himself and the Hollywood icon celebrating Valentine’s Day together. The clip instantly went viral, leaving fans (and even his own son, Shareef O’Neal) completely speechless.
It is no news that Shaq initially showed reluctance to the growing use of AI. But being a businessman, he jumped to the other side when he understood its potential. Not without a condition though. He assured that he would only use it in the right way. This led him to ‘Edsoma’. His successful AI-based educational app. Ever since, now and again, he would share AI-generated memes with the fans. Fans love it, of course. But this Valentine, he celebrated in such a quirky manner. How, you ask? In the trending AI way. No one, not even his own son saw it coming. Even from miles away! “What in the AI is going on here?” fans were left speechless.
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Reiterating Shareef O’Neal’s comment, “Bro what”. Exactly! The great Shaq took time out of his schedule to make a reel of him and Marilyn Monroe celebrating Valentine’s Day. Don’t believe it? Well, no one did, at first. The video went viral instantly with over a million views in just a few hours with fans flooding the comment section.
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Jokingly, a fan comments, “Shaq that lady 99 and gone, come on now lol”. Marilyn Monroe is a household name but some people were confused why he specifically chose her. To this, another fan clears the doubt, “If yall were @shaq fans you would know that he owns the MM brand…….lol! @shaq, my daughter loves MM send merch!” That’s right, Authentic Brand Group holds the royalties of the Marilyn Monroe brand. Meanwhile, fans were praising his story-crafting skills. This is evident of how fans have always been supportive of him on and off court. His larger-than-life personality is what makes people admire him besides his reputation as an elite player. Speaking of Shaq, were you aware that his son Shareef is an NBA prospect?
After heartbreak, Shareef O’Neal is all geared up for a second chance
Legacy is a holy grail in the sports world. As the son of Shaq, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, expectations for Shareef were quite high. However, Shareef’s life has been a bumpy ride. Despite being a top player who played with the UCLA Bruins and LSU Tigers , he failed to occupy a spot in the 2022 NBA draft.
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Back in 2018, Shareef had undergone a successful surgery for a fatal heart condition. He had to learn everything from square one, even walking. But his determination to play in the league didn’t waver. His resilience made him able to play in the NBA’s G League of 2022-23 season for the Las Vegas Ignite.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20210310002712/shareef-oneal-lsu.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
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Last October, Shareef signed with the Sacramento Kings during the offseason. Shortly after, he was waived off to play for the Stockton Kings in the G League. Nonetheless. The legend’s son may finally be on the way to the NBA, following his father, the great Shaq’s footsteps. Perhaps, a second shot at his dream for the 25-year-old forward?
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Shaq and Marilyn Monroe on Valentine's—genius or just plain bizarre? What's your take on this AI twist?
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Shaq and Marilyn Monroe on Valentine's—genius or just plain bizarre? What's your take on this AI twist?
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