It goes without saying that in his prime, Shaquille O’Neal was the most dominant big man in the NBA. O’Neal was not only a skilled player on the court, but he also built considerable muscle over the course his career. However, the body changes over time and, eventually, O’Neal began to recognize that he was gaining weight. The all-star recently reflected on knowing when he needed to lose some pounds and, to no one’s surprise, fellow basketball vet Charles Barkley was involved.
Shaq, who had played in 19 NBA seasons, retired from professional basketball in 2011. Shortly after hanging it up, the fan-favorite athlete joined TNT’s The NBAErnie Johnson, among others. Charles Barkley (who could be looking to retire soon).. While The Diesel seems like he’s had fun amid his stint on the sports show, it was during this time that he made the realization that he needed to lose weight. And as the hall of famer recently joked, he apparently felt extra motivated to do so after seeing Barkley’s physique:
I enjoy creating crazy motivations. ‘Cause I was looking at myself, and I had that Charles Barkley retirement body. And I didn’I don’t want my stomach to go over the belt. So, I’m just like, ‘Let me go ahead and get slim.’
People who watch regularly Inside the NBAWe all know the ex-players enjoy making fun of each other. So Shaq’s not-so-subtle jab at “The Round Mound of Rebound” isn’t all that surprising. The humour aside, the four-time NBA champion was very proud of his ability to recognize that he needed to change and to continue to do the hard work. He spoke with Logan Paul and his team during their interview. IMPAULSIVE, the former Los Angeles Laker revealed just how much weight he’s lost and why he’s aiming to drop a few more pounds:
I must live up to that. I was 401lbs. Now, I’m 365; I’m trying to take it back to 345. I want muscles all over, and I’d like to do an underwear commercial with my boys.
It seems like Shaq would like to join the ranks with athletes like David Beckham, who’ve headlined underwear ads. It’s a lofty goal, but one that the big man can surely reach if he keeps making such progress. Even if he does land the ad – I can see Charles Barkley still finding a way for him to shed some shade.
Aside from his fitness goals and media endeavors though, Shaquille O’Neal has also spent his retirement performing random acts of kindness here and there. While on a date earlier this year, he met a woman who was able to help him. Payment of the entire bill. He also Donate money for the familiesThe tragic mass shooting at Buffalo, New York, earlier in the year has had devastating effects. Shaq also shared a lesson in lifeWith a six-year old before buying him a pair.
It’s been lovely to see Shaq act with such kindness over the years and, with that, what we can do in return is root him on as he continues his fitness journey. Here’s hoping that he lands that underwear ad he desires – and that Charles Barkley, the ever-hysterical comedian doesn’t jab him too hard should it come to pass.