When Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal are at each other’s throats, no one is spared. Not even their families. Yes, Sir Charles has taken digs at O’Neal’s kids too. One of his epic roasts of Shaq’s son is circulating the Internet again because that burn probably still stings. It had to do with Auburn University, the institution that molded Charles Barkley. Decades after leaving the campus, Barkley has ensured his connection to his alma mater will continue.

Given his strong feelings for Auburn, Barkley will take no disrespect. That’s why, seven years ago, he took a jab at Shaq’s son, Shareef O’Neal.

Shareef O’Neal snubs Charles Barkley’s college on air

Shaquille O’Neal’s children are following their dad’s path, whether it’s through basketball or music. Shareef O’Neal is making his own name on the hardwood by playing in the NBA G-League. He was showcasing the Big Diesel talent from a young age. While he was still in high school, he was fielding offers from LSU (Shaq’s alma mater), Baylor, UCLA, Kansas State and more.

Initially, Shareef had committed to the University of Arizona. As soon as his college news broke, he called in at his dad’s workplace. Inside the NBA had a special appearance from Shaq’s son to talk about his college choice. Shareef was on air via a video call from his cell phone.

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In a resurfaced clip, Charles Barkley asked Shareef about his other options. “List of schools between Arizona, Auburn, and North Carolina, where exactly did Auburn fall on the food chain?” 

Now that’s Shaq’s son. So he took the first shot. “They’re pretty far down,” Shareef said unapologetically.

That earned the then-teenaged athlete some laughter in the studio. Shaquille O’Neal was obviously a proud dad as his son had learned the art of dissing Charles Barkley. As much as Chuck jokes though, one thing he doesn’t play about is his alma mater.

Charles Barkley elevates Auburn University

The Round Mound of Rebound played with the Tigers from 1981 to 1984 before his NBA career. Four decades after leaving the campus, he did a special gesture for its students. Barkley had already willed a significant part of his estate to underprivileged students at Auburn.

In July 2023, he altered his will to ensure the $5 million will help black students. That’s how much the Alabama-based university matters to him. So he had to get back at Shareef then.

Shareef was asked about how he feels about playing in front of his dad. He wasn’t entirely audible, typical video-call issues. Barkley had an epic response to it. “I just want to say this. If you had have went to Auburn, we would have got you a better phone.” 

That’s one point for Barkley.

Shareef had not signed a letter of intent at that time. He’d change his mind after issues at Arizona and commit to the UCLA Bruins instead. Once again Auburn was not in the running. After 2 years in LA, the 23-year-old joined his father’s alma mater, Louisiana State University.

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