Shaquille O’Neal stumbled over the name of the Chicago Bulls, leading to a ribbing from his co-host Charles Barkley on the NBA Tip-Off show on TNT.
During the show’s discussion on NBA awards, O’Neal was tasked with announcing the finalists for the “Clutch Player of the Year” award. As he hesitated before naming the candidates, Barkley couldn’t resist a playful jab, urging him to “sound it out, big fella.”
Charles Barkley pokes fun at Shaq’s ‘Chicago Bills’ flub https://t.co/JJ4BWNzL5R pic.twitter.com/wU6HJoH720
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 22, 2024
O’Neal proceeded to announce Stephen Curry’s name correctly before slipping up on the next nominee. “DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bills,” he said, prompting a quick correction from host Ernie Johnson: “Bulls.”
The slip-up sparked laughter from Barkley, Johnson, Kenny Smith, and even O’Neal himself. The moment was captured and shared widely on social media, drawing amusement from basketball fans.
But the fun didn’t end there. Barkley, known for his comedic timing, took the opportunity to further tease O’Neal when he had to read out the nominees for “Sixth Man of the Year.”
“Bobby Portis, Milwaukee … Brewers,” Barkley announced, followed by “Naz Reid … the Minnesota Vikings.”
Johnson pointed out the gentle ribbing to O’Neal, who responded with a deadpan expression, insisting he had said “Bulls” correctly.
