Latest news with #ShaquilleO'Neal's
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shaquille O'Neal's Unexpected Move During ESPN's NBA Finals Broadcast Grabs Attention
Shaquille O'Neal's Unexpected Move During ESPN's NBA Finals Broadcast Grabs Attention originally appeared on Athlon Sports. It was an emotional moment for Shaquille O'Neal and the entire crew of "Inside the NBA" when the show bid farewell on Saturday as the Eastern Conference finals came to an end. Advertisement The East finals were TNT's last NBA broadcast after failing to renew their TV rights contract with the league beyond the 2024-25 season. This only meant that "Inside the NBA" held its last show on the network after an iconic 36-year run on TNT. The good news for the fans is that "Inside the NBA" will remain on air next season. This is after ESPN and ABC acquired the rights to the show, allowing the legendary basketball program to continue reaching its multitude of fans. TNT broadcaster Shaquille O'Neal (left) and Charles Donnan-USA TODAY Sports O'Neal was in attendance for Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night, which is being broadcast by ESPN. Advertisement The Los Angeles Lakers icon decided to crash the network's "NBA Countdown" set as Malika Andrews, Stephen A. Smith, Kendrick Perkins and Bob Myers were discussing the upcoming series opener between the Thunder and the Pacers. View the original article to see embedded media. O'Neal's unexpected cameo quickly turned heads on social media. "I thought bro physically crashed the set at first based off the caption lol," a comment on Instagram read. "Shaquille O'Neal is the most likable NBA player I've ever seen 😂" said another. "Perk is terrified that shaq is gonna take his job lmfao," a user wrote. "Already bringing the TNT vibes to ESPN 😂😂😂" a reaction read. Advertisement "and yall think inside isnt gonna be the same, its gonna be BETTER," declared another. "Inside the NBA crew about to turn espn upside down 🔥" predicted a fan. As indicated by the reaction of the folks on social media, there is already a lot of excitement surrounding "Inside the NBA's" big move to ESPN next season. There's no denying that O'Neal stoked the fire even more with his surprise appearance on the NBA Finals broadcast. Related: Travis Kelce's Immediate Reaction to Shaquille O'Neal's Taylor Swift Admission Related: NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Praised for What He Did Before Finals This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
How Shaquille O'Neal's love for luxury car collection and betting once cost him $600K
How Shaquille O'Neal's love for luxury car collection and betting once cost him $600K (Image Credit: Getty Images) Shaquille O'Neal is one of the richest NBA stars, who has accumulated an estimated net worth of $500 million. It was due to his marketing genius and popularity earned from on-court achievements that he could generate massive income. Shaquille splurged on luxury cars, and those cars were not just run-of-the-mill products. Finicky Shaquille accepted the deliveries of his stylish cars only when they were customized to his desires, vision, and above all, requirements. Shaquille O'Neal once shelled out $600K on Cadillac Escalades and had to be reminded of his purchase Love for customized cars reflected heavily in Shaquille O'Neal's garage, which boasted an enviable lineup of custom-designed luxury cars. An interesting anecdote about Shaquille's frequent purchases of luxury cars goes like this. Once he ordered two Cadillac Escalades and asked for customizations. Effortless Motors were the experts who took the orders, and on completion of customizations, went to deliver the car to the NBA star. He looked perplexed on the arrival of the crew and insisted that the EM's owner accept a bet in which he put on stake his unique car Dodge Hellcat convertible. Shaquille was confident that he had not purchased the car, and that he wouldn't fit into the car (he is 7'1'). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 이것은 모든 플레이어가 이야기하는 로봇 전투 게임입니다 기계 경기장 Undo However, Effortless Motors could prove both the points, and as soon a Shaquille sat in the driver's seat, he realized his mistake and had to give up his hatchback in the bet. Top cars in Shaquille O'Neal's garage and customizations done on them for NBA star California-based Effortless Motors was able to accommodate all the peculiar needs of the 7'1' giant NBA star. Shaquille also used other customization services to get the cars tailored to his specific needs from time to time. Here are some of the top-tier customized beauties that adorn Shaquille's garage. Also, the changes made in the cars are highlighted: Car Customizations Lamborghini Gallardo Extended wheelbase by 12 inches; elongated doors, roof, and side windows; interior retrimmed to accommodate Shaq's height. Dodge Challenger R/T Convertible ("Shaqcat") Convertible conversion; red LED headlights; underglow lighting; HEMI decals; custom leather upholstery; structural reinforcements to support Shaq's weight. Polaris Slingshot ("Sling-Shaq") Converted to a 4-seater; installed 18-speaker sound system; quilted leather seats with red piping; custom roof added. Lucid Air B-pillar removed; larger front doors installed; Superman-themed wheel center caps; "DIESEL" branding on the front. Ferrari F355 Spider Soft top removed; fuel tank relocated; seats pushed back to accommodate Shaq's size. Rolls-Royce Cullinan Superman logo on the grille; custom body kit; front seats moved back for additional comfort. Jeep Wrangler Extended doors; matte black paint; off-road lights; custom bumpers; upgraded sound system. Chevy G1500 Van Louis Vuitton interior with Superman logos; air ride suspension; 100×100 HD projector; XBOX system; DVD player. Cadillac Escalade Butterfly doors; Superman logo on the grille; widened for easier access. Mercedes S550 Convertible Retractable fabric roof; suicide-style doors; custom rims; modified to fit Shaq's frame. Range Rover ("Superman Range Rover") Chrome Superman logo; mesh grille; other chrome accents. Ford F-650 ("Terminator-Themed") Custom exterior design inspired by the Terminator; imposing size; used as a daily driver. Inside Shaq's ALL CUSTOM Car Collection Shaquille has splurged heavily on his love for cars. His uber-stylish cars are no less than an extension of his personality. His black Cadillac Escalade IQ had enhancements like custom 26″ Travis Scott Forgiato wheels and was pumped up to fit his giant physique. In another Cadillac Escalade IQ bought the same month, he chose dark grey color customization along with custom wheels. Also Read: Shaquille O'Neal reveals why he got rid of his two Tesla Cybertrucks, says he treats his cars like his 'girlfriends' When Shaquille forgot about buying his cars, he had lost a handsome money on gambling too. It is estimated that his expenses on cars and betting touched $600K that month when two Cadillac Escalades were delivered to him back-to-back, a purchase that had 'slipped from his mind.' Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The NFT market fell apart. Brands are still paying the price
The NFT market crash has a long tail. Big Lots stores reopening update: Here's the full list of locations that will open this week The kerning on the pope's tomb is a travesty Joann fabrics store closing dates: Here's the full list of locations that will close for good this week In the late 2010s, crypto enthusiasts and web3 advocates celebrated the arrival of digital art. Non-Fungible Tokens, they argued, could offer the permanence and investment value of a traditional painting. Not anymore: even amid President Trump's memecoin surge, NFT valuations continue to hit new lows. The market has been in free fall for nearly two years, with no bottom in sight. While NFTs may be dead, NFT lawsuits are alive and well. Corporate suppliers are beginning to regret their blockchain experiments. Most recently, buyers of Nike's NFTs sued the retailer for $5 million. Nike had acquired the virtual sneaker shop RTFKT in 2021, generating nearly $200 million in NFT sales. But in 2024, Nike began winding the operation down. The lawsuit alleges that the shutdown destroyed demand for RTFKT's NFTs, effectively causing 'the rug to be pulled out from under' buyers, according to Reuters. Some RTFKT NFTs even briefly displayed error messages during the turmoil. The online sportsbook DraftKings also ventured into the NFT space, only to shut down its Reignmakers NFT marketplace in July 2024. Meanwhile, a 2023 lawsuit alleged that DraftKings sold NFTs as unlicensed securities, reaping 'the full benefit' of initial sales and a 5% commission on secondary sales. That case has since been settled, with DraftKings agreeing to pay out $10 million in February to those who purchased NFTs between 2021 and the shutdown. NFT buyers have also gone after the celebrities who hawked their fast-declining digital assets. Shaquille O'Neal's 2023 lawsuit recently concluded, with the former NBA player agreeing to pay out $11 million (plus $2.9 million in attorney's fees) to buyers of his Astrals Project NFTs. Meanwhile, the MAGA-friendly Nelk Boys are still battling their own lawsuit, which claims the YouTubers promised additional perks with their NFT sales that were never fulfilled. For corporations and celebrities, NFTs were a side business. But for companies dedicated solely to producing digital assets, these lawsuits are far more threatening. Dapper Labs—which partners with companies like Disney and the NFL to build branded NFTs—recently settled for $4 million over claims that its NBA Top Shot 'moments' were unregistered securities. Yuga Labs, meanwhile, has been stuck in court for years fighting copyright battles over its Bored Ape Yacht Club. Recently, it even petitioned for access to a copying artist's crypto wallet. Just a few years ago, major companies from Nike to Coca-Cola were racing to launch web3 ventures. Some are still ongoing; many have flamed out. And with the barrage of lawsuits now hitting NFT suppliers, these blockchain bets are looking increasingly risky. They may also fail to deliver value. NFTs were meant to serve as brand extensions—especially for luxury companies, which sold highly expensive goods in digital form. But according to a recent study in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research, NFT availability may actually have a negative effect on consumer sentiment. The researchers found that for goods with web3 iterations, the physical counterparts were perceived as less luxurious—and thus less worth spending on. NFTs have lost their value to major companies. They're not effective brand extensions, they're not sustainable investments, and they're barely even good cash grabs anymore. All they're left with is a mess of lawsuits. This post originally appeared at to get the Fast Company newsletter: Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NBA Legend Shaq Says He Can 'Throw On a Suit And Have A Conversation With Bill Gates' Then Head to the Hood and Talk to the 'Homies'
Shaquille O'Neal's life isn't divided by status—it's defined by impact. One minute he's fielding calls from billionaires, the next he's helping a homeless family get an apartment. In 2017, he announced plans to run for sheriff in 2020 to WXIA-TV Atlanta, stating, "This is not about politics. This is about bringing people closer together." Though he never officially filed, the sentiment reflected his lifelong commitment to community and connection. "I'm a guy that speaks all languages," Shaq explained. "I can put on a suit and have a conversation with Bill Gates. I can go in the hood and talk to the homies, and talk to the children." Don't Miss: Inspired by Uber and Airbnb – Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets – Here's what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy. This philosophy has guided his ventures beyond basketball. A chance encounter at a hotel led to an early investment in Google. While dining at the Four Seasons, Shaq played with some children whose father, impressed by his demeanor, offered him an investment opportunity in a then-little-known company called Google. Shaq invested and later remarked on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," "I got a really big return." His investment strategy was influenced by Jeff Bezos's advice to invest in things that change people's lives. This approach led Shaq to invest in companies like Ring and Lyft, leveraging his celebrity status to gain early access to promising ventures. However, not all his business decisions were hits. He passed on investing in Starbucks, believing at the time that "Black people don't drink coffee." He later admitted this was one of his biggest business regrets. Trending: The secret weapon in billionaire investor portfolios that you almost certainly don't own yet. Shaq's commitment to authenticity is evident in his business choices. He sold his 17 Auntie Anne's pretzel franchises, explaining on the "Earn Your Leisure Podcast," "Black people don't like pretzels that much. So I had to switch it up." But the missteps don't outshine the bigger picture. He buys laptops for kids he just met. Pays for strangers' funerals. Picks up the tab for young fans buying engagement rings. And he never posts about it—he lets the people on the receiving end do the talking. In 2021, his Krispy Kreme store in Atlanta was destroyed by fire for a second time, Shaq didn't flinch. Authorities believed homeless individuals had started the blaze trying to stay warm. He chose not to press charges. Shaq may not have become sheriff like he once hoped, but with a $500 million net worth and a reputation built on real connection, he hardly needed the badge. When he says he can talk business with Gates and friends from the "hood"—he means it. And that range? That's not a gimmick. It's why people trust him, invest with him, and invite him into conversations that actually move things forward. Read Next: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — .Photo: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article NBA Legend Shaq Says He Can 'Throw On a Suit And Have A Conversation With Bill Gates' Then Head to the Hood and Talk to the 'Homies' originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NBA Legend Shaq Says He Can 'Throw On a Suit And Have A Conversation With Bill Gates' Then Head to the Hood and Talk to the 'Homies'
Shaquille O'Neal's life isn't divided by status—it's defined by impact. One minute he's fielding calls from billionaires, the next he's helping a homeless family get an apartment. In 2017, he announced plans to run for sheriff in 2020 to WXIA-TV Atlanta, stating, "This is not about politics. This is about bringing people closer together." Though he never officially filed, the sentiment reflected his lifelong commitment to community and connection. "I'm a guy that speaks all languages," Shaq explained. "I can put on a suit and have a conversation with Bill Gates. I can go in the hood and talk to the homies, and talk to the children." Don't Miss: Inspired by Uber and Airbnb – Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets – Here's what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy. This philosophy has guided his ventures beyond basketball. A chance encounter at a hotel led to an early investment in Google. While dining at the Four Seasons, Shaq played with some children whose father, impressed by his demeanor, offered him an investment opportunity in a then-little-known company called Google. Shaq invested and later remarked on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," "I got a really big return." His investment strategy was influenced by Jeff Bezos's advice to invest in things that change people's lives. This approach led Shaq to invest in companies like Ring and Lyft, leveraging his celebrity status to gain early access to promising ventures. However, not all his business decisions were hits. He passed on investing in Starbucks, believing at the time that "Black people don't drink coffee." He later admitted this was one of his biggest business regrets. Trending: The secret weapon in billionaire investor portfolios that you almost certainly don't own yet. Shaq's commitment to authenticity is evident in his business choices. He sold his 17 Auntie Anne's pretzel franchises, explaining on the "Earn Your Leisure Podcast," "Black people don't like pretzels that much. So I had to switch it up." But the missteps don't outshine the bigger picture. He buys laptops for kids he just met. Pays for strangers' funerals. Picks up the tab for young fans buying engagement rings. And he never posts about it—he lets the people on the receiving end do the talking. In 2021, his Krispy Kreme store in Atlanta was destroyed by fire for a second time, Shaq didn't flinch. Authorities believed homeless individuals had started the blaze trying to stay warm. He chose not to press charges. Shaq may not have become sheriff like he once hoped, but with a $500 million net worth and a reputation built on real connection, he hardly needed the badge. When he says he can talk business with Gates and friends from the "hood"—he means it. And that range? That's not a gimmick. It's why people trust him, invest with him, and invite him into conversations that actually move things forward. Read Next: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — .Photo: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article NBA Legend Shaq Says He Can 'Throw On a Suit And Have A Conversation With Bill Gates' Then Head to the Hood and Talk to the 'Homies' originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Sign in to access your portfolio
