Shaquille O’Neal, a figure as towering in celebrity as he was on the basketball court, recently found himself back in the familiar surroundings of Miami’s Kaseya Center. This return to his old stomping grounds, a place where he once hoisted championship trophies, wasn’t for a basketball game, but rather for the high-octane spectacle of UFC 314. Amongst the attendees, a particular interaction caught the eye of many, sparking conversations and raising eyebrows across social media.

The atmosphere at the Kaseya Center was electric, a blend of sporting intensity and celebrity glamour. As the evening unfolded, one prominent figure made his entrance, drawing a wave of attention. Donald Trump, accompanied by UFC’s Dana White, arrived, greeting a series of well-known faces, including Joe Rogan and Dave Portnoy. But it was his encounter with Shaquille O’Neal that quickly became a talking point.

This wasn’t the first time the two had crossed paths, especially in Miami. Back in 2005, during Shaq’s Heat tenure, Trump was a guest at games. And later that year, O’Neal attended Trump’s wedding to Melania Trump, even gifting them a Rolls-Royce. “Donald Trump speaks to an eclectic type audience… I just think he says it wrong. Donald’s like a straight-up guy. He’s a straight-forward guy.” Back in 2016, when Shaquille O’Neal wasn’t an active voter shared his feelings about Trump’s image.

At that time, the 4x NBA champion believed that POTUS statements were wrongly perceived. Maybe that’s why Shaq reached out and met the President during his return to his old stomping ground. On the walk-in, Trump greeted several high-profile attendees, including UFC announcer and podcaster Joe Rogan and Barstool Sports President Dave Portnoy. Later, shared a moment with Shaq. Collin Rugg on X shared the video of Shaquille O’Neal embracing the President. The Co-Owner of Trending Politics, with over 1.8M followers on X, added the post. “JUST IN: President Trump shakes hands with Shaquille O’Neal at UFC 314 in Miami, Florida.”

Shaquille O’Neal, who gave the president a handshake and hug ringside. During their moment, President Trump reached out and whispered something in the 4x NBA champion’s ear. Both continued to exchange a few words and had a firm handshake. But let’s not forget that the NBA icon has not revealed his inclination and political endorsement. It was not only Trump with whom Shaq met.

Robert Kennedy Jr. on X shared a photo of him and meeting O’Neal before the event. The Health and Human Services Secretary wrote, “With @TheGaryBrecka and @Shaq headed for the @UFC fight in Miami.” Interestingly, it’s not the only time that the NBA icon and the President have met that too in Miami.

Shaquille O’Neal even had gifts for President Trump

Two decades ago, when Shaq was still hooping, Trump would show up at the games. Even during his Heat tenure in 2005, Donald Trump was alongside his then-fiancee, Melania Trump. The same year, the couple would tie the knot and have a lavish wedding with over 400 guests, including the NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal. As per the Herald-Tribune, the Lakers’ legend even spoke about the wedding gift that he had for the couple.

“Phantom Rolls-Royce, a white one,” Shaq stated about the massive luxury car, which at the time would cost a hopping $325,000. “It’ll be parked at my house when he wants to use it.” Once again, there is no proof that the couple used the car. But one thing is clear: the gift was not during the presidential election campaign or any type of endorsement. In fact, in 2020, when Shaquille O’Neal voted for the first time, he revealed the reason behind not choosing sides publicly.

“I’m not saying I will never endorse anybody. I’m just not going to talk about it.” That’s why, in February this year, his political stance was once again unclear. But he is surely following his best friend’s advice. Charles Barkley once stated, “Even though I disagree with President Trump on some things, if I met him, I would still give him the respect and dignity he deserves.“