Shaquille O’Neal has dominated a lot of things—NBA courts, business ventures, and even late-night commercials. But when it comes to live TV, even the Big Shaq isn’t immune to getting exposed. And who better to call him out than Pat McAfee, the master of controlled chaos? I mean, there should come a time when celebs would understand that you cannot escape from Pat once you’re on his YARD. Even if you’re a 7’1 and 325-pound giant.

It all started with Shaq making an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, ostensibly to promote his latest investment in BeatBox Beverages. A spiked lemonade with 11.1% alcohol… Hmm… And Shaq, ever the businessman, was there to sell it with his signature larger-than-life energy. But then, things took a turn.

McAfee challenged Shaq to a live chug-off. Now, if you know Shaq, you know he doesn’t back down from a challenge. He grabbed the drink, took a swig, and confidently declared, “You lose. Are you not entertained?” But you can’t do that only to get called out LIVE on the Pat McAfee Show… Instantly, McAfee wasn’t buying it.

The former NFL punter punted his hunch back to Big Shaq, questioning whether he had actually finished the drink. Spoiler alert: the NBA legend did not win… When Shaq turned his tetra pack upside down, the remaining drink poured out. WOMP, WOMP! 

Pat shared the clip, captioning: “I knew it!” And the internet did what it does best—memes, reactions, and a collective ‘Oh no, Shaq!’ moment. But let’s be real, Shaq isn’t losing sleep over this. The man has made a career out of selling everything from Icy Hot to Papa John’s. One minor slip-up on live TV? Just another day in the life of the Diesel.

But amidst all that banter, McAfee just gave everyone a masterclass in how to make advertising not feel like advertising. It wasn’t scripted, it wasn’t a stale product plug—it was entertainment. And in the end, that’s what people remember.

Shaq’s guide to a successful business

Shaquille O’Neal dominating the court is old news. The news flash? He is making his presence felt in the post-retirement life. Want to learn how to keep the cash-flowing? Here’s Shaq’s guide.

From Papa John’s to The General’s car insurance, Shaq’s fingerprints are all over the business world. And if you ask him, it’s never just about the money. It’s about believing in what he sells. “Being a sports guy, I have the mentality of, ‘What can I do as a great player to help you win the championship’?” he told Pat McAfee.

That’s his philosophy—team up with brands he actually believes in and help them level up. No lazy endorsements. No half-hearted promotions. Just like on the court, he plays to win. And clearly, it works. Companies want Shaq because when he’s in, he’s all in.

But this isn’t just about business—it’s about setting an example. Shaq credits his father for drilling in the importance of education and financial success beyond basketball. “I know a lot of NBA players that don’t have anything, so I’m glad that I have the opportunity,” he admitted.

That’s why he moves the way he does. He doesn’t even check how much he’ll make before signing a deal—if he believes in it, he’s on board. The money? That follows. And it’s why, even with his face plastered on half the products in America, he’s never felt like a sellout. Shaq makes business moves. He’s got the pull, the brand’s got the money, in the end: it’s a win-win for everyone involved.