via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 23: Former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal attends the unveiling of the Shaq Courts at the Doolittle Complex donated by Icy Hot and the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation in partnership with the city of Las Vegas on October 23, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Icy Hot)
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 23: Former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal attends the unveiling of the Shaq Courts at the Doolittle Complex donated by Icy Hot and the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation in partnership with the city of Las Vegas on October 23, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Icy Hot)
Is Shaquille O’Neal looking for a new job? The answer is no. But from what we see, Shaq could probably still pursue any profession he loves even at his age. If there’s any left. It seems there are a few jobs that the Big Aristotle was interested in or could take up. In the latest episode of the Big Shaq Podcast, O’Neal and his guest Bobi Althoff discussed on what job he would have pursued if not for basketball.
As previously mentioned by his co-host Adam Lefkoe, O’Neal agreed that he might have either used his business knowledge to become a CEO or, as a 7-foot-tall man, the job of a bouncer would have been fitting, too.
He also joked about becoming a gangster. When his guest asked about the definition of ‘gangster,’ the gentle giant replied with his honest answer, saying it’s about controlling everything. “He’s probably right. A bouncer or he’d be a CEO or a gangster,” Shaq said.
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Following this, he teased his guest by suggesting he was already controlling the interview. “Someone that controls things like I’m controlling this interview,” O’Neal added. Well, the second part doesn’t seem to be a lie. His podcast has been an amusing relief amidst the ongoing tension in his current job at TNT.
Shaquille O’Neal’s no-show sparks tension among NBA TNT viewers
NBA fans and viewers of the Inside the NBA quickly noticed the absence of the 5-time champion from the show. With the ongoing drama surrounding TNT and the NBA, loyal fans have even more reason to feel tense.
TNT Sports’ deal to retain NBA rights is in jeopardy, as Comcast-owned NBC has offered an enticing $2.5 billion bid to acquire the rights. Interestingly, this is twice what TNT pays annually. If TNT fails to retain the NBA rights, basketball pros turned analysts like Charles Barkley may no longer be part of the crew.
Previously, in a segment of the show, Barkley joked that he wouldn’t be able to cover the upcoming NBA awards event as he would be busy looking for a new job on LinkedIn. The Big Shaq has had enough odd jobs in his career, but we can’t deny Shaq and his career as a basketball player and NBA analyst was a match made in heaven. However, we might see the Los Angeles Lakers legend venture into other areas of music. What the future holds for TNT remains to be seen.
