Toronto Fans Hit Shaquille O’Neal’s Pride After Famous Prank Backfired on NBA Legend

You expect fans running down to their star if ever spotted in public, but it seems Toronto has a different vibe. Shaquille O’Neal was in the city just last month and he decided on a social experiment of sorts. Speaking of the same, Canadian entrepreneur and investor Scott McGillivray opened up on the outcome of the social experiment.

The discussion on Chum 104.5 began with Marilyn Denis asking McGillivray about having Shaq at a recent real estate investing event. Scott mentioned that the 4-time NBA champ was invited as a speaker at the event and also attended a DJ session. But then came the social experiment, where the big man tried going incognito.

“I love how when he does this in Toronto… You know, people weren’t racing up to him. People were like, ‘hey, Shaq. And just sort of walked by casually, politely, and he was like, ‘are you kidding me,'” McGillivray said on the show.

And if you’re thinking whether this really happened””yes, it did. In fact, there’s a video. Shaquille O’Neal shared it himself, and Hot Freestyle got in on the action too, captioning it, “SHAQ goes incognito mode in Toronto.” In the clip, the 4x NBA champ rocked a black Reebok hoodie and goggles, trying to fly under the radar. But within seconds, a fan casually greets him, “What’s up Shaq”””and just like that, his cover was blown.

But considering the huge build of Big Diesel (7’1″), it’s understandable why it’d be difficult for him to ever go undercover. Not that the 15x All Star has not given it a try previously.

Toronto was not Shaquille O’Neal’s first attempt to mix up in the crowd

Shaq’s previous undercover escapade took place in London this past August, where the 4-time NBA champ was performing an EDM show. Naturally, he decided to test if he could go unnoticed, sharing the entire experience on TikTok.

“In London. Let’s see if they recognize me. Time to put on my disguise,” he teased, slipping on some oversized shades. And yes, just like Toronto, it did not work in London either. Barley 45 seconds in, and a fan spotted Shaq, bringing the 4x NBA champ’s mission to an end.

And yes, Shaquille O’Neal is back at work with Inside the NBA returning for what could be their last season. So we may not be seeing another one of these going incognito attempts anytime soon. But given how much Shaq loves completing his side quests soon, we may as well see him one day succeeding in mixing up with the crowd, unrecognized.