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NBA Legend Shaquille O'Neal's New Project Draws Attention

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Kevin Matthew Borba | Last updated Oct 8, 2025 3:23 PM ET

Shaquille O'Neal, a four-time NBA Champion and 15-time NBA All-Star during his 19-year NBA career, is now best known for his work on ESPN's "Inside the NBA," formerly of TNT. He, along with NBA Hall of Fame forward Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson are set to embark on a new chapter as the NBA's media rights deal does not feature TNT, which means that the beloved show will not air on the network for the first time in 36 seasons.

O'Neal is well-known for his uncensored takes and for poking fun at Barkley for not having any rings on the show; he also dabbles in other things outside of his media role. He owns nine Papa John's Pizza locations, co-founded Big Chicken, is Reebok's president of Basketball and is also the volunteer general manager for Sacramento State's basketball team.

Shaquille O'Neal looks on before a NBA game.Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Just when one assumed that O'Neal couldn't get involved in more career paths, he appeared to soft-launch his next journey on Instagram on Wednesday. As shared by muscian Luke Gawne, O'Neal is now moonlighting as a rapper.

"When Shaquille O’Neal dropped VERSE OF THE YEAR on our song ‘Chaos’ [Song name: Chaos - GAWNE & Shaquille O’Neal," wrote Gawne on Instagram.

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A post shared by GAWNE (@lukegawne)

In terms of the new-look "Inside the NBA," Jon Lewis of Sports Media Watch reported that the first edition will take place on October 22, and unlike its TNT days, it will be a 30-minute window. Whether or not ESPN allows O'Neal and company to continue their hilarious, unhinged banter is yet to be seen.

With a net worth of $500 million and a portfolio as random as his is, it seems fair to assume that O'Neal never shies away from a new challenge.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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