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NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal is known to state his opinions without mincing his words and his latest comments are no exception. The NBA legend and current Inside the NBA analyst took a direct shot at ESPN's sports coverage, claiming that many of the network's personalities lack the qualifications to speak authoritatively on the game. O'Neal, who alongside Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson forms the powerhouse team of Inside the NBA, believes that the depth of experience on his show sets it apart from others in the sports media world.
Shaq’s comments were made during a recent appearance on the GOAT TALK podcast, where he discussed the value of firsthand experience in sports analysis and criticized the credentials of some ESPN personalities. According to O’Neal, the wealth of experience on Inside the NBA gives its cast a unique legitimacy that others simply don’t have.
“Some of these cats on ESPN, you never won. You never did anything. You ain’t got no awards, I do not believe you. I do not know who you are,” Shaq stated.
This isn’t the first time Shaq has made headlines for his blunt opinions. Earlier this year, he took aim at Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, an outspoken sports personality who Shaq believes doesn’t have the necessary qualifications to speak authoritatively about the NBA. O’Neal had coined the term "G-14 classification"—inspired by the 1998 comedy Rush Hour—to describe those who have truly earned their stripes in the sport.
“Mad Dog, like what the fk do you know about quarterback?, Stick to traditional media. When it comes to sports, you don’t know what you’re talking about," Shaq continued on the podcast.
For O’Neal, the distinction between his peers on Inside the NBA and pundits like Russo lies in the experience of the former in the actual game. He believes that their insight into the game holds far more weight due to their personal accomplishments.
Shaq on Inside the NBA
Shaq elaborated on the chemistry and unique balance within the Inside the NBA crew. He pointed to Charles Barkley’s Hall of Fame career as a major source of his credibility when offering his perspective on basketball. However, O’Neal noted that Barkley’s lack of a championship title somewhat limits his ability to speak on certain topics with the authority that Shaq himself might bring to the table. On the other hand, Kenny Smith—who has won two NBA championships—may not have the same individual accolades as Barkley, but his experience and perspective provide a different layer of insight. Ernie Johnson, meanwhile, plays the role of the neutral mediator, keeping the show running smoothly.
But when it comes to his own qualifications, Shaq doesn’t hold back. “Shaq got it all,” he said with characteristic confidence. As a four-time NBA champion, O’Neal believes his accomplishments—both on and off the court—give his words a certain weight and authority that others may lack.
Inside the NBA hyping up
While O’Neal’s comments are typically unapologetic and bold, his upcoming transition from TNT to ESPN/ABC in the 2025-26 season might bring some irony to the situation. As part of a major deal between TNT and the NBA, Inside the NBA will air on ESPN/ABC starting in 2025, marking a shift in O’Neal’s professional home. Though he has been critical of ESPN and its sports commentators, Shaq will now be joining the network he has long criticized, sparking curiosity.
