Shaquille O’Neal will never skip the opportunity to vacation in the UAE. He’s had a longstanding and vocal love for the capital city of Abu Dhabi for its respectful and welcoming ambiance. While jet skiing, Shaq was advised not to go too far. But as he told Adam Lefkoe on The Big Podcast, “You know me.” He nearly strayed too far and “almost got arrested.”

He was in his favorite city in March and had a lot to say about his recent vacation. Turns out that when you’re Big Diesel, it doesn’t take long for a peaceful vacation to turn into an adventure. He was enjoying water sports there, including some yachting and jet skiing if his Instagram updates are anything to go by. But O’Neal nearly went into another country via international waters, which could have gotten him in trouble.

“I could see something over there and I’m just going and going and going and we just keep going. All of a sudden, the police behind us.” This is on the sea and the authorities were on boats and they’re obviously concerning Shaq. The officers told Shaq he couldn’t go that way because “That’s Iran.” The officers said there would have been dire consequences, possibly getting shot, for crossing the boundary. Or he could be seeing up to 25 years behind bars, as is the Iranian law for crossing into international territory without permits. It was incentive enough for Shaq to comply and turn around.

His co-host saw it from the other side’s perspective because at 7’1″ and roughly 325lbs, Shaq could’ve been big enough to pop up on any radar. “They’re like there’s a huge object coming at us right now,” Lefkoe imagined. “No, but it’s Shaq on a jet ski.”

Forgive Shaq for nearly causing an international conflict. He was simply enraptured by the beauty of the place.

Second home for Shaquille O’Neal

He told Lefkoe that he only went that far because the calm, still waters put him in a trance. He was having such a good time he didn’t realize how far he was going till the cops had to save him. Lefkoe did ask that if he accidentally crossed borders, would they recognize him? O’Neal can’t speak for the countries outside the UAE, but he does get recognized in Abu Dhabi.

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Shaq has been in love with the UAE capital for years for its respectful culture. He calls it his second home for how often he returns there. He claims he would’ve moved there a long time ago if he could. O’Neal says that he’s widely recognized in Abu Dhabi but fans here keep it respectful by not swarming him and approaching him calmly.

Yet both Shaq and Lefkoe joke it would be the ultimate recognition of fame if he got caught crossing the border but the authorities turn out to be Lakers fans. How do you imagine it going down if Shaq ends up jet-skiing too far?

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