In a moment that left fans and co-hosts in stitches, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal made an unexpected dash off the set during a live broadcast of TNT’s Inside the NBA. The abrupt exit, prompted by a sudden bathroom emergency, quickly became a viral sensation, showcasing the unpredictable charm that has long defined the beloved sports show.
The Unexpected Exit
During an April 21, 2025, episode of Inside the NBA, as the panel discussed the NBA Playoffs, O’Neal suddenly stood up and hurriedly exited the set. Clad in a tailored blue blazer and gray slacks, Shaq’s swift departure caught co-hosts Ernie Johnson Jr., Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley off guard. As cameras captured the moment, Barkley quipped, “You all right, big fella?” while Smith added, “After 40, you can’t hold it no more” .
The Olive Oil Cleanse Confession
Initially, O’Neal attributed his sudden exit to excessive water intake, humorously referring to it as a “No. 1 run.” However, during a subsequent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Shaq came clean about the real cause: an ill-advised olive oil cleanse.
“I was drinking a lot of water that day, so I know I had the No. 2 run, but it was really a No. 1, let’s just get that out the way,” O’Neal said, adding he had been drinking a lot of olive oil. “I’m drinking olive oil because I want to be sexy. That’s what it said on Instagram, it said if you drink olive oil for 14 days, it’ll clear stuff out and you’ll get yourself a flat stomach,” O’Neal explained. “So, I was trying it” .
Eventually, Shaq admitted, “It wasn’t a No. 1 run, it was a No. 2 run. I had to go bad. Oh, I had to go so bad! I had to go so bad,” eliciting laughter from Fallon and the audience .
Co-Hosts’ Reactions and On-Set Antics
Back on the Inside the NBA set, Shaq’s co-hosts didn’t miss the opportunity to poke fun at the situation. The following day, producers placed a portable toilet next to the panelists’ desk as a humorous precaution. The lighthearted prank underscored the show’s reputation for embracing unscripted moments and camaraderie among its hosts .
A Viral Sensation
The incident quickly spread across social media platforms, with fans sharing clips and memes of Shaq’s hurried exit. The combination of Shaq’s candidness and the co-hosts’ playful banter resonated with audiences, further cementing Inside the NBA‘s status as a fan-favorite sports program.
The Future of ‘Inside the NBA’
As the 2024-25 NBA season concludes, Inside the NBA faces a significant transition. With TNT’s broadcasting contract ending, ESPN is set to take over the popular basketball program. Despite the network change, ESPN plans to retain the existing crew, including Ernie Johnson Jr., Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal. The show will continue production in Atlanta, ensuring that fans can still enjoy the dynamic chemistry and unpredictable moments that have become its hallmark .
Conclusion
Shaquille O’Neal’s on-air bathroom emergency serves as a testament to the unfiltered and entertaining nature of Inside the NBA. The incident not only provided a hearty laugh for viewers but also highlighted the show’s unique ability to blend sports analysis with genuine, unscripted moments. As the program transitions to a new network, fans can look forward to more memorable episodes and the continued camaraderie of its beloved hosts.
