Despite Pepsi deal, Shaquille O’Neal drinks diet Coke on national television to taunt Charles Barkley

Despite Pepsi deal, Shaquille O’Neal drinks diet Coke on national television to taunt Charles Barkley

Shaquille O'Neal (via Open Source/X)

Shaquille O’Neal, a dominant force in basketball history, carved out his legacy by playing for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Boston Celtics. Over an impressive 19 NBA seasons, he transitioned through various teams, securing four championships—three with the Lakers and one with the Heat.

As he clinched the title of a three-time NBA Finals MVP and earned the NBA Most Valuable Player honor in 2000, Shaquille O’Neal’s illustrious career reached new heights. His induction into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame further solidifies his iconic status.

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Transitioning into his post-playing career, Shaquille O’Neal actively engages in various business ventures, notably co-hosting Inside the NBA. Beyond his hosting duties, he has secured mind-blowing endorsement deals with major brands, such as Pepsi.

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However, during a recent episode on TNT’s Inside the NBA, he sparked controversy by openly consuming a rival company’s product, Diet Coke, on live TV. This unexpected move unfolded as he playfully taunted his co-host, Charles Barkley.

Ranked among the top five wealthiest NBA players, Shaquille O’Neal boasts a staggering net worth of $400 million. This impressive financial standing is attributed to his strategic investments in various business ventures and lucrative endorsement deals.

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Orlando to retire shirt jersey number for Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal will become the second NBA player to have his jersey number retired by three NBA franchise teams. With the Lakers having retired the number 34 and the Heat the number 32. The Orlando Magic will retire Shaq’s No. 32 jersey on Feb. 13, the team announced Thursday.

Shaquille O'Neal during his rookie season with the Orlando Magic (via CBS Sport)
Shaquille O’Neal during his rookie season with the Orlando Magic (via CBS Sports)

He joined the Orlando Magic as the first overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft. With the Magic, he was named the 1993 NBA Rookie of the Year. He also led them to two appearances in the Eastern Conference finals and one in the NBA Finals.

He will be the first person to have his jersey number retired by the franchise. In his four seasons with the team, he averaged 27.2 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks in 295 games.

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