Shaquille O’Neal in a recent conversation on his podcast, The Big Podcast with Shaq. has come clean about a lie he told about his childhood hero, David Robinson. In a recent conversation with Adam Lefkoe, Shaq revealed that he had fabricated a story about Robinson refusing to give him an autograph when he was 15 years old.
Big Shaq explained that he had made up the story because he wanted to motivate himself to play better against his idol. He thought that if people believed he had a personal vendetta against David Robinson, it would fuel his competitive drive.
You’re familiar with David Robinson… So, I made up this story that, ‘Oh this **** didn’t give me an autograph when I was 15… But I had forgotten all about that because I was at an All-Star game and he sat next to me and said, ‘hey man is it true that I really didn’t give you an autograph.’ I was like, ‘what are you talking about?’
Shaquille O’Neal said on the Big Podcast
It wasn’t until 20 years later when Shaquille O’Neal was sitting next to Robinson at an All-Star game, that he was forced to confront the lie. Robinson asked Shaq if it was true that he had refused to give him an autograph, and Shaq was caught off guard.
He had forgotten all about the lie and was taken aback by the question. Shaq’s confession is a lighthearted and humorous anecdote that shows even the biggest stars can get caught up in their own hype.
Shaquille O’Neal’s unmatched confidence, a hallmark of his dominant career
Shaquille O’Neal’s confidence was on full display during the 2001 NBA Finals, where his Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Philadelphia 76ers. After a dominant Game 4 performance, Shaq had a conversation with SLAM Magazine where he showcased his unwavering belief in his abilities.
I haven’t been stopped since I was five years old.
Shaquille O’Neal to SLAM Magazine
This confidence was a hallmark of Shaq’s playing career, particularly during his time with the Lakers. After signing a seven-year, $121 million contract in 1996, Shaq became the face of the franchise and the media landscape ate up his bold and boastful statements.
Since retiring in 2011, Shaq has continued to showcase his confidence as a member of TNT’s “Inside the NBA” cast. Unfortunately, this might be the end of the legendary Shaq as his popular show, Inside the NBA, would be scrapped as the parent company lost its right to broadcast the NBA, albeit in controversial circumstances.
