Shaq makes one thing clear about joining ESPN next season
Share this @internewscast.com

Shaquille O’Neal has made it clear that he is not going to change at his soon-to-be new network.

While appearing on the “Rich Eisen Show” on Friday, O’Neal reiterated that neither he nor his co-host Charles Barkley would alter their personalities to suit ESPN.

“I’m not worried because there’s one person who will never change, and there’s another person who’s very close to him,” O’Neal remarked. “As for the others — Ernie [Johnson] is an ultimate professional and can adjust to any scenario.

“Ernie is the one who really keeps us out of trouble, and Kenny is a professional too, but Chuck is always toeing the line, and I’m just right below him. Chuck isn’t changing, and neither am I.”

O’Neal, 53, also pointed to “The Pat McAfee Show” on the network as a model that “Inside the NBA” could potentially follow next season.

“I actually saw something yesterday where it said ESPN is going to give us the same no-look that they give Pat McAfee,” O’Neal added. “So, listen, we’re just going to go have fun, do what we do and talk about the game that we love and just try to make people laugh.”

Both O’Neal and Barkley have insisted on multiple occasions that they plan to stay the same despite the network change, with the latter saying last month that he dares ESPN to fire him.

“I’m not going to change my personality,” Barkley said during an episode of Outkick’s “Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich,” per Awful Announcing.

“Ain’t nobody — they can’t fire me. I make too much money to get fired. So, they can’t fire me. First of all, if they fire me, they got to pay me for seven years, and I’m going to quit way before then. But if they want to fire me, I would love for them to do that.

“The only decision we’ve been making is how long I’m going to work. … I’m not worried about getting fired. And nobody at ESPN is going to tell me what to say or do. Period.”

“Inside the NBA,” which has aired on TNT since 1989, will make the switch over to ESPN next season.

Turner is still set to produce the show by licensing it to ESPN.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
McHenry Township Fire Service chief featured on Rose Parade City of Hope float after colon cancer diagnosis

Fire Chief’s Inspiring Journey: From Colon Cancer Diagnosis to Rose Parade Fame on City of Hope Float

A heartwarming scene unfolded in Pasadena, California, during the Rose Parade on…
Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: You won't believe what TikTok was selling

Fox News Reveals Shocking Antisemitic Merchandise Sales on TikTok in ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter

Fox News’ “Antisemitism Exposed” newsletter offers insights into the growing wave of…
Nuggets dealt another injury blow with Jonas Valanciunas out with calf strain

Denver Nuggets Face Setback as Jonas Valanciunas Sidelined with Calf Strain Injury

The Denver Nuggets are facing a growing list of injuries. Center Jonas…
Trump, in interview, defends his energy and health, offers new details on screening he underwent

Trump Unveils Health Secrets: Defends Vitality and Shares Exclusive Details on Recent Screening

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, President Donald Trump addressed…
U.S. announces more military actions against ISIS: 'We will not relent'

U.S. Intensifies Military Operations Against ISIS, Asserts Unwavering Commitment

On Tuesday, the U.S. Central Command revealed that nearly 25 ISIS operatives…
Mamdani's Inaugural Block Party, Bolshevik Style: No Bread, No Bathrooms, Just Fail

Mamdani’s Bolshevik Block Party Fails to Deliver: No Bread, No Bathrooms, No Success

Socialism is often criticized for taking once-prosperous regions and leading them into…
Political violence has 'just started,’ former FBI agent warns in 2026 outlook

Brace for Impact: Ex-FBI Agent Warns of Escalating Political Violence in 2026

A retired FBI agent has issued a stark warning that the threat…
Amazon Prime offers holiday gas deal: How to redeem the perk

Surprise Amazon Checks Arrive: Find Out Why They’re Landing in Your Mailbox

Recent reports reveal that Amazon has been sending checks to some of…
UK PM Starmer–praised Egyptian extremist faces counter-terror probe over resurfaced tweets

UK PM Starmer Under Fire as Egyptian Extremist’s Controversial Tweets Spark Counter-Terror Investigation

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under mounting political pressure following U.K.…
Professor slams 'sneaky approach' to oppression-based teaching of American history: 'fantastically false'

Professor Criticizes Misleading Tactics in Teaching American History: Calls Them ‘Fantastically False

Wilfred Reilly, a professor and author, has raised concerns about how American…
Short on starters, Nets lean on youth in 120-96 to Rockets

Nets Rely on Young Talent in 120-96 Victory Over Rockets

In their matchup against the Houston Rockets, the Brooklyn Nets saw two…
University of Alabama student suffers 'severe head injury' while on family vacation in Caribbean

Tragic Vacation Incident: University of Alabama Student Faces Severe Head Injury Abroad

A University of Alabama student is recovering from severe injuries, including multiple…