Shaquille O’Neal, the towering figure known for his dominant basketball career and even larger-than-life personality, has never been one to shy away from a joke or a candid confession.
His role on TNT’s ‘Inside the NBA’ alongside fellow legends Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith, and the unflappable host Ernie Johnson, thrives on this very dynamic. Their banter, often laced with good-natured jabs and infectious laughter, has made the post-game show a beloved must-watch, almost as entertaining as the games.
So, when O’Neal made a hasty exit from the set during a live segment, speculation and amusement naturally followed. The moment in question saw O’Neal walk off mid-conversation, leaving his co-hosts to ponder his sudden departure. While the immediate on-air explanation was vague, the truth, as revealed by O’Neal himself, is far more…human.
Shaquille O’Neal Confesses His Reason for Running Off Inside the NBA Set
Appearing Thursday night on ‘The Tonight Show’, O’Neal spilled the beans, attributing his sudden dash to a rather pressing biological need. “First of all, I was drinking a lot of water that night,” O’Neal began, setting the stage for a hilariously honest admission. He then outlined a somewhat questionable health regimen that ultimately backfired.
“I was drinking olive oil because I want to be *. That’s what is said on Instagram: if you drink olive oil for 14 days, it clears everything and gives you a flat stomach.”
With a sheepish grin, the NBA Hall of Famer then delivered the punchline, correcting his initial on-air fib. “Actually, I lied on national TV. It wasn’t a number one run, it was a number two run. I had to go so bad.”
This revelation is pure Shaquille O’Neal, perfectly encapsulating his self-deprecating humor and willingness to expose his own absurdity for a laugh. It also highlights the incredible chemistry on Inside the NBA.
While Barkley and Smith undoubtedly poked fun at O’Neal’s absence at the time, their genuine camaraderie allows for such moments of vulnerability without judgment. Ernie Johnson, ever the steady hand, skillfully navigates the unpredictable waters of the show, allowing the natural comedic talents of his analysts to shine.
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O’Neal’s olive oil anecdote, while certainly unexpected, is just another chapter in the endlessly entertaining saga of Inside the NBA, providing that even off the court emergencies can become fodder for national television’s most beloved sports show.
While there has been much speculation about the future of Inside the NBA, it was quickly put to rest as it will air on ESPN and ABC for the 2025-2026 NBA season.
