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Shaquille O'Neal's On-Air Bathroom Break Spurs Viral Reactions and Studio Prank

The unscripted moment highlights Inside the NBA's humor and spontaneity as the show nears 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.

Overview

  • During a live broadcast on April 21, Shaquille O'Neal abruptly left the set of Inside the NBA to use the bathroom, sparking laughter among co-hosts and viewers.
  • Co-hosts Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley joked about Shaq's olive oil cleanse, teasing that it caused the emergency, while the moment was replayed in slow motion on-air.
  • The NBA on TNT shared the clip on social media, amplifying its reach and turning it into a viral sensation across platforms.
  • The following night, O'Neal's co-hosts pranked him with a portable toilet on set, further leaning into the humor of the incident.
  • The viral moment comes as Inside the NBA prepares to transition from TNT to ESPN and ABC for the 2025–26 season, maintaining its reputation for unscripted and entertaining content.