Shaquille O’Neal Celebrated Massive New Contract By Dropping F Bomb On Live TV

Shaquille O’Neal likely landed TNT a massive fine from the FCC on Thursday night when he signed off of “Inside the NBA” with a big, fat F-bomb. O’Neal and his co-hosts were hosting the final episode of the show prior to the NBA All-Star Game. The Big Diesel signed off the show by saying ““In the world of Marshawn Lynch, ‘I’m tired as sh-t, America'” then said “We getting fired anyway, Ernie (Johmson). F— it!.”

O’Neal’s comments likely referred to the fact that the NBA is leaving TNT following the 2024-25 season and “Inside the NBA” is moving off the network and onto ESPN and ABC. But what O’Neal failed to mention was that TNT will still produce the show for ESPN/ABC.

And Front Office Sports now reports that Shaq recently agreed to a new a contract extension with the network worth over $15 million a year. FOS did not state how long the deal is for, but it did call the new contract “long-term.”

Shaquille O’Neal Is Sticking With ‘Inside the NBA’ Alongside His Longtime Co-Hosts

O’Neal’s new deal comes shortly after co-host Charles Barkley turned down options from NBC and Amazon in order to remain with Turner Sports. Front Office Sports reports that Kenny Smith is also likely to sign an extension with the network.

So no, O’Neal is not “getting fired” anytime soon. In fact, it’s the exact opposite. Nothing says job security quite like a new $15 million contract. Shaq knew this, and it’s likely why he felt comfortable pushing the boundaries of what he could.

“Inside the NBA” has already dangerous walked the line of what is and is not appropriate. But we’d guess that an F bomb on live TV is probably just a bit too far for network execs. So while Shaq isn’t going to get fired, we’d guess he probably had some pretty uncomfortable phone calls in the last 24 hours.