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6 Years After ‘ESPN Treating Him Like a Dog’ Shocker From 76ers Legend, Shaquille O’Neal Hijacks Top Employee Stephen A. Smith’s Plea to Employer

Published 07/22/2023, 6:00 AM EDT

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Many celebrated after the Denver Nuggets lifted the NBA championship. However, it was an emotional day in FS1’s ‘Undiusputed’ studio. Shannon Sharpe, who had joined the show in 2016 confirmed it would be his last time teaming up with Skip Bayless. Since that day, media houses have lined up to bag the 3x Super Bowl champion. Recently, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith commented about his opinion on a team-up with Sharpe. However, instead of a nice reception, he was called out by Shaquille O’Neal for a peculiar reason.

The Los Angeles Lakers center engaged in a hysterical exchange with the revered sports analyst. But Shaq’s reaction was met by a calm and intellectual response from the ESPN man.

Shaquille O’Neal calls out Stephen A. Smith for his little arms

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There has been a cloud of intrigue since Shannon Sharpe became a media-free agent. Fans have imagined a legendary team-up with the former Denver Broncos star besides Stephen A. Smith. In the latest installment of his show, the analyst addressed the wildfire rumors. While he couldn’t confirm ESPN’s actions or the likeliness of it happening, the 55-year-old did speak of what he wanted.

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“What I can tell you is that the honchos are talking to Shannon Sharpe. What I can tell you is that the honchos are fully aware that Stephen A. Smith wants Shannon Sharpe on First Take. … and I aim to get him,” said Smith.

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While he stayed optimistic, Smith did claim nothing was off the table. After stating the facts quietly, he amped up his voice and proudly said, “But, damn it, Shannon, Club Shay Shay, and anything else, I don’t give a damn if he brings a bottle of Hennessy with him, I want him on First Take.” 

It was a moment of glory and clarity for Smith. Unfortunately for him, Shaquille O’Neal was paying attention to the other details, like Smith’s choice of clothing. The Hall of Famer immediately caught on to the analyst’s casual look that gave viewers a good look at his guns. However, Shaq wasn’t on board with his look.

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“If you don’t put them little arms away,” Shaquille O’Neal commented on Smith’s recent post. It seems the Inside the NBA crew has some personal vendetta with ESPN. Back in 2017, Charles Barkley embarrassed the network claiming “They are going to work me like a dog.” However, Smith stayed composed then, and he did the same this time to turn the tables on Shaq.

WATCH THIS STORY: Did Michael Jordan Play in 1994? Was Shaquille ONeal the Last Player to Beat MJ in the NBA Playoffs?

Instead of responding with further heat, Smith chose to be clever. Thanks for watching The Stephen A. Smith Show @Shaq,” he wrote.

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Now all that is left to do is wait. Will First Take and Stephen A. Smith welcome Shannon Sharpe or not is now a tale time will reveal. Do you want to see Uncle Shay team up with Smith? Let us know in the comments below. 

READ MORE-68 Years After $214,740,000,000 Worth Rival’s Debut, Shaquille O’Neal Breaks Through With 1.4 Million Venture In Illinois

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Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar

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Anuj Talwalkar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Having composed close to 2000 articles, he aspires to manage his own team one day and is pursuing a top-tier college-level management program specializing in sports. Anuj's love for basketball blossomed after he started following the NBA a few years ago, and he decided to merge his writing skills with his understanding of this thrilling game.
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Edited by:

Pragya Vashisth