Shaq Speaks

Shaquille O’Neal doesn’t do a lot of sports radio interviews so when I heard about this one, I figured I had to post it.

Full disclosure, I’ve never been a huge Shaq fan on the court.  It always bothered me that he never seems to come into training camp in shape and that he seemingly misses 20-30 games a year to rest up for the playoffs.  He’s clearly been the most dominant player of his generation, but I always felt like he could have been the greatest player ever if he just worked harder.  Could have been a better rebounder, shot blocker, and free throw shooter.

Off the court, I love him.  From the time he rapped with Fu Schnickens “What’s Up Doc”, I always admired his boldness and ability to make fun of himself.  I fell in love with Double Decker Taco Supremes when he did his commercial with Hakeem Olajuwon for Taco Bell in the mid nineties.

Shaq joined The 2 Live Stews on Sporting News Radio on Monday and his old pal Dennis Scott even chimed in with some questions.  Here are some quotes from the interview:

Shaq on being the life of the party:

“This is all genuine.  I’ve been a class clown since elementary.  If you don’t believe me, call Mrs. Swann from Horace Mann Elementary School in Hinesville, Georgia.  This is me. A lot of guys try to see it and try to put it on when the cameras on, but everybody can see through that.”

Shaq on him and Kobe:

“It never was really any beef.  It was all about winning. A lot of people don’t understand sports. You probably think you got to get along to win, which is not the case at all.  We had our differences, whatever, but when it comes to playing and winning, we won three out of four.  Nobody did it more better, nobody did it more dramatically.”

Shaq on rumors he wants to go back and player for the Lakers:

“I never said that.  If it don’t come out of the horse’s mouth, it shouldn’t be true.” 

Shaq was non-committal when asked about Terry Porter:

“Everyone had a great weekend, it has been a tough situation.  I wish him and his family well.  I’m not in charge so you know it wasn’t really up to me.”

Shaq on if he’ll retire after his contract is up after next season:

“When my contract is done, if I can get another pretty good offer and if I can feel like I can play at a high level, I may give it a go.”

Listen to Shaq with the 2 Live Stews on Sporting News Radio

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