Shaq voices his opinion on the age old debate of eSports pros being athletes

Shaq voices his opinion on the age old debate of eSports pros being athletes

Shaquille O'Neal

Shaq recently voiced his opinion on the debate that has been going on ever since professional esports became a thing. Are eSports players athletes?

Well Shaq certainly seems to think so as he revealed his thoughts on the matter in an interview with Jake Lucky on his interview tour.

Shaq’s thoughts on eSports pros being athletes

The 7’1 NBA star has been very open about managing his money the right way and playing it smart. He has also been very open about his investments and has invested in multiple different firms.

NRG Logo
NRG

One of those esteemed organizations which have the support of Shaquille O’ Neal is none other than NRG and even though it might not be a feat he might be known for, the Big Shamrock has never hidden his affiliation with the org.

Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O’Neal

While in an interview with Jake Lucky on his Full Squad tour bus which is currently going around America for unique interview possibilities, Shaq offered his opinion on whether or not should eSports pros be considered athletes.

In a short clip directly posted by Lucky himself, the all star was asked if he considered eSports players to be athletes or not and the answer, at least for the NBA All-Star, was simple – “I do”.

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Building on his point further, he said “Athlete means different things. But athlete means here” while tapping his temple pointing to the mental capabilities an athlete needs to have.

Shaquille O'Neal
“15% of the game is physical, everything else is mental”

He continued to further elaborate by saying “15% of the game is physical, everything else is mental.” hence making it a sure-shot thing that he did indeed think that eSports players were no less athletes than the ones playing or competing in physical sports.

Shaq also further went on to remember his show ‘Shaq Versus’ in which he faced off against celebrity athletes in the sport of their mastery. He pointed out how difficult it really is to be a professional athlete in any sport because of the mental fatigue and constant burnouts people face.

In the end, Shaq ended his answer with a beautiful set of words saying, “If you guys say you’re athletes, I believe you. Cause I can’t do what you do.”

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