Shaquille O’Neal & Charles Barkley’s Employers Downplay Live TV Blunder Involving CNN and Doc Rivers With Subtlety

Everyone, hold your horses. Due to the need for ultra-fast media, sometimes untrustworthy news makes the headlines. That is how even the folks at NBA on TNT found themselves victims of illegitimate news reporting. Shaquille O’Neal & Co. were quick to discuss the potential storylines from the Doc Rivers hire by the Milwaukee Bucks. Unfortunately, the news was never confirmed.

Now, with disputing reports emerging, the crew had to backtrack quickly on their words. Rather than outwardly admit their mistake, however, they chose to go the subtle route to fix their mistake. After a discussion and dissertation of what the new head coach could look like alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co., TNT had to bite back on their words.

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After Adam Lefkoe shared a report from CNN Sports on live TV, Turner News found themselves on the wrong side of breaking news. While Lefkoe confidently claimed that Rivers had accepted the position, there was no official confirmation from any of the parties involved. As a result, the team had to rectify their language. Instead of surefire comments, the entire conversation came with caveats like “Chris Haynes reported”, or “CNN has learnt.” 

Jamal Crawford, a former player under Rivers had even made a strong statement about the difficulties the new crew might face. But, once the news became a matter of dispute, an “If it gets confirmed” precursor had to be added. Chris Haynes eventually came out with an official report. “Milwaukee Bucks and Doc Rivers continue to work towards a deal that will make him the franchise’s next head coach, but there is no agreement in place as of now, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. ”

In case the news is true, however, the expectations are already sky-high for the new squad.

Shaquille O’Neal & Co. lay down the blueprint for Milwaukee

For Shaq, the marriage is one of convenience. Because, on one hand, he expects the Bucks players to listen and “Respect” the new coach due to his championship pedigree. Given his stint handling names like Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Big Diesel himself, Shaq believes Rivers could figure out a way with 2 superstars in Damian Lillard and Giannis.

Conversely, O’Neal also believes it might be an opportunity for Doc to get another Championship. In a slight diss, he would go on to say, “For so long, he’s been surviving off that one championship so I would like to see him get another one.” 

With the expectation firmly set at a Championship, can the new-look Bucks, with or without Doc Rivers at the helm, get it done?