Shaquille O’Neal Discloses the Crazy Reason He Exited the ‘Inside the NBA’ Set During a Live Broadcast: ‘No.

Shaquille O’Neal’s Unexpected TV Moment

It seemed like any regular broadcast on TNT, until Shaquille O’Neal did something, well, a little unexpected. Mid-broadcast, without much fuss, he quietly slipped out of his seat and walked off set. I’m sure some folks thought he’d be right back – perhaps grabbing a snack or taking an important call. But, no, he was answering another call entirely.

His cohost Kenny Smith, not one to let such a moment slide, joked it was the olive oil Shaq had been drinking. It became an instant viral moment – because when a 7-foot-1 legendary center excuses himself in the middle of a live show, people talk.

Later on, Shaq found himself facing questions about his sudden exit while chatting with Jimmy Fallon. At first, he claimed it was just water intake that drove him off the set. “I know I had the number-two run,” he said with a straight face, “but it was really a number one.” The studio probably didn’t believe him much – neither did anyone watching at home.

But Shaq’s honesty didn’t end there. Perhaps feeling a tad guilty or maybe just wanting to come clean, he confessed, “I just made a mistake. I lied to you on national TV,” admitting it wasn’t quite the simple situation he initially described. “I had to go so bad!” And what about the olive oil? In true Shaq fashion, he revealed it was part of his quest to be “sexy.” He’d read on Instagram that drinking olive oil for 14 days could flatten your stomach. Ah, the things we do for vanity.

As if this wasn’t enough entertainment for one week, his cohosts decided to surprise him the following night with a cheeky gift – a portable toilet. It was all in good humor, keeping in line with the light-hearted banter they often share. Watching it unfold was like peeking into the locker room jokes of old teammates.

Shaq isn’t exactly new to shaking up broadcasts though. Remember that time in January? He took everyone by surprise by casually showing off his feet on air. This spectacle left cohosts like Ernie Johnson Jr., and Charles Barkley speechless for a moment – and that’s saying something considering how talkative these guys are! “Your feet look like a bald eagle’s feet,” Smith joked while Johnson marveled at those nails.

Charles Barkley, usually ready with a quip of his own, struggled to regain composure after seeing Shaq’s feet up close and personal. “I need time to say something serious,” he said with laughter still in his voice, “but I can’t do it right now.”

It’s these unpredictable moments that keep fans glued to the show – never quite knowing what might happen next when Shaq is involved. For more sports moments and updates like these, check out NPR.

With every appearance, Shaq reminds us that life – even on live television – doesn’t have to be taken too seriously. Whether it’s impromptu bathroom breaks or showcasing feet that could double as props in a nature documentary (just kidding!), it all adds to the charm and unpredictability of sports entertainment.