NBA players are familiar with publicity and fame. As a result of their nationally televised job, their popularity goes hand-in-hand with their standing in the league. However, an unfortunate by-product of this fame is the increased levels of danger. Who doesn’t remember the downright terrifying Paul Pierce story?

A man as dangerous-looking as Shaquille O’Neal?would seem impervious to the danger. However, in a shocking anecdote, a founding member of hip hop ensemble Goodie Mob revealed an unexpected Shaq encounter.

Shaquille O’Neal was robbed?

The Los Angeles Lakers legend stands at 7 feet and weighs over 300 pounds. Usually, that would spell like a recipe for avoiding danger. No one wants to mess with a person twice their size. However, as Big Gipp revealed, not even O’Neal was safe from the streets of LA.

Cameron, as his birth name goes, told the story about 3 years ago on a podcast. Talking about his time staying in LA, Gipp shed light on the dangers of the city, “I saw Shaq get robbed… I saw Shaq and Bone Thugs n Harmony all laying out in the parking lot. Face-first, getting their jewelry took.”?

While the 4-time NBA Champion has never confirmed the story, the incident seems unlikely. Firstly, because, well, it’s Shaq. Secondly, the Miami Heat champion has long been a legend in the area, both on and off the court. For a long time,?Diesel?has been one of the most philanthropic athletes on the planet.

But, in a recent interview, the artist behind Soul Therapy reconfirmed the story – “I said Shaq at the time, but I know Shaq had something to do with it. But I don’t know if the story ever came out like that. But the dudes that that s**t really really happened to was from Bone Thugs.”?

While the story remains unconfirmed, it isn’t the first time an NBA legend has been in a scary scenario owing to their fame. Several icons have faced such public incidents. Of course, the Paul Pierce incident still lives on in everyone’s mind.

Paul Pierce’s warrior spirit

Just days before the 2001 season began, Paul Pierce got into an altercation at a club. Unfortunately, the situation quickly turned ugly, and it resulted in a brutal scenario. The ensuing assault on the Champion led to his back being stabbed 11 times.

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However, Pierce’s toughness and love for the game shone through. Weeks later, he was back in action for opening night. Not only that, but he would also go on to play the entire 82 games of that season, giving the word ‘bada**’ a whole new meaning. He was vigilant and scared without a doubt, carrying around a gun for some time as he revealed while defending Ja Morant.

After Lou Williams’ story came out, it became another incident in a long list. While the luxuries the fame provides NBA players is an obvious advantage, it can lead to catastrophically lethal incidents as well. In that case, being smart and safe remains your only option.

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While the Shaq story may or may not be true, it wouldn’t be the first such instance. And it might not be the last either.