Even live television couldn't stand in the way of nature's call for Shaquille O’Neal.
The 53-year-old basketball legend and co-host of Inside the NBA on TNT surprised his fellow panelists when he abruptly got up and left the studio mid-broadcast to use the restroom.
The unscripted moment aired live and was later shared on social media by NBA on TNT with the caption, “Shaq had to hustle out of Studio J.”
In the clip, O’Neal stood up as co-host Kenny Smith asked with concern, “You alright, big fella?” Without missing a beat, O’Neal replied, “Go ahead, keep talking gents,” and continued hurrying off-screen.
Smith, 60, then joked that the incident might have been prompted by O’Neal’s recent health kick, saying, “It’s that olive oil you’ve been drinking.” Charles Barkley chimed in with his own quip, advising, “Hey, take some matches with you.”
The panel erupted in laughter after O’Neal’s departure.
“Listen, he couldn’t hold it. After 40, you can’t hold it no more."
As the segment continued, the hosts leaned into the humor by commentating on O’Neal’s departure as if it were a game replay.
“Here he is… [I’ve] seen that face before … ‘I can feel it...I didn’t like his gait as he left — that was not a typical walk.”
Upon his return, O’Neal issued a light-hearted apology to viewers: “Sorry about that, America.”
The immediate reaction was laughter, obviously.
People were worried about the force that Shaq would bring to this activity.
There were some obvious brand connections.
But really, folks could relate.
This humorous moment of sports commentary comes as Inside the NBA prepares to transition from TNT to ESPN for the 2025–2026 season. The 21-Sports Emmy Award winning show will will be featured across ESPN and ABC platforms, including coverage of the NBA Finals.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro stated at the time, “The addition of Inside the NBA further solidifies ESPN as the preeminent destination for sports fans.”
