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Shaquille O’Neal’s On-Air Bathroom Break Becomes Viral Moment

The Inside the NBA co-host’s unscripted exit sparks laughter, social media buzz, and showcases the show’s signature humor ahead of its move to ESPN and ABC.

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Shaquille O'Neal attends a semifinal game of the Emirates NBA Cup at T-Mobile Arena between the Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks on December 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Overview

  • Shaquille O’Neal abruptly left a live Inside the NBA broadcast for a bathroom break, prompting jokes from co-hosts Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Ernie Johnson.
  • The unscripted moment, shared widely on social media by NBA on TNT, has drawn significant online engagement, including a cheeky comment from O’Neal’s son, Shaqir.
  • O’Neal apologized upon his return, attributing the incident to drinking too much water and playfully blaming Barkley for delaying a commercial break.
  • Fans have celebrated the camaraderie and humor of the Emmy-winning show, which is in its final season on TNT before transitioning to ESPN and ABC for the 2025–26 season.
  • The viral moment underscores the enduring appeal of Inside the NBA’s blend of analysis and humor, even as it prepares to join a new network.