INSIDE the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal appeared in a studio next door to banter with the NHL on TNT’s panel Tuesday — while risking serious injury.
Shaq, 52, interrupted the team’s live segment during the first intermission of the Carolina Hurricanes’ Game 5 victory over the New York Islanders.
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O’Neal went skating at Studio F while Inside the NBA was off the air during Game 5 of the first-round playoff series between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers.
He wore a goalie mask and skates made by Shaq, which were actually two skateboards strapped to his feet.
“Whose idea was it? from presenter Liam McHugh before trying to suppress a giggle.
“Don’t take the camera away from him, please!” added analyst Anson Carter.
“I hope he signed a waiver.”
In the meantime, O’Neal fought the laws of physics to get in with the help of a hockey stick.
And fans loved it, although they didn’t hide their concerns for the NBA icon’s well-being.
“Definitely a hip replacement waiting to happen!” one wrote.
“@NHL_On_TNT x @NBAonTNT became the collaboration I didn’t know I needed this postseason,” added another.
“Calm down, big guy,” said a third.
“This man wants to hurt himself. He is a bold man. LOL,” wrote one.
O’Neal has been a frequent visitor to the NHL on TNT set recently.
Last weekend, the Los Angeles Lakers icon picked up a stick and slid it to earn the nickname Shaq Hyman – inspired by Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman.
Charles Barkley later followed Shaq into Studio F to secure the Toronto Maple Leafs’ victory in Game 4 against the Boston Bruins.
Inside the future of the NBA?
WITHIN the NBA, TNT Sports’ performance is in doubt due to the NBA’s broadcast agreements.
The Emmy-winning sports show is a fan favorite thanks to the likes of Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley.
But TNT’s broadcast deal with the NBA ends after next season and NBC is said to be lining up a bid to take over those rights.
If TNT loses its NBA package, it will raise questions about the popular Inside the NBA.
One solution could be to recreate the show on another network that snaps up the NBA rights.
The Bruins ended up taking a 3-1 victory and a 3-1 series lead.
However, Toronto beat Boston 2-1 in Game 5.
Shaq and Chuck are known for their on-air antics on Inside the NBA.
But despite the show’s success, TNT now faces a battle to keep the NBA on the air.
NBC is said to be preparing a big bid for the television rights to the league, currently owned by the Warner Bros. network.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
