ESPN has long been the premier sports journalism outlet for the NBA. However, amidst the flurry of layoffs, multiple NBA correspondents have faced the axe recently. Whether ex-players like Jalen Rose or coaches such as Jeff Van Gundy, ESPN saw a mass exodus of employees. In the light of layoffs, Smith’s podcast shared a touching video saying goodbye to his former colleague/friends: “They deserved better from then the times we’re living in.”

Rival network TNT’s on-air talent Shaquille O’Neal took notice. Now, O’Neal highlighted one of the longest-tenured reporters ESPN cannot afford to lose, and it’s not Stephen A. Smith.

Shaquille O’Neal on the true ESPN MVP

The most recognizable name working at ESPN is probably Stephen A. Smith. While many have made their mark in sports journalism, Smith is a GOAT discussion staple. Following him is the younger crop who have also quickly garnered acclaim. Sometimes controversial names such as Kendrick Perkins and J. J. Redick have become icons for the organization but according to Shaq, ESPN has an unsung hero who is truly “untouchable”.

Brian Windhorst, or Windy, is among the most respected league insiders. While names like Shams Charania and Adrian Wojnarowski take center stage during free agency, it is Windy who mans the fort through the course of a season.

Throughout the calendar year, Brian has inside scoops and is the premier source of league updates and rumors. Shaq is among the first to recognize and acknowledge this. On his IG story, O’Neal shared a meme-based reel of a page that claimed that Windy was the only “untouchable” employee at ESPN.

For ‘Diesel’, the reasoning might be simple. Unlike Shaq’s colleagues, Windy hasn’t made any offensive remarks yet.

Just a few weeks ago, Shaq shared another clip on his Instagram. There, co-host and good friend Charles Barkley made some questionable comments about Shaq’s family. As O’Neal wished a warm birthday to his youngest daughter, Barkley decided to pipe in.

Read More: “Don’t Any of Your Kids Have Normal Names?”: 76ers Legend Slapped Shaquille O’Neal With Possibly Offensive Joke but Got Ignored in Resurfaced Clip

Shaq responds to an offensive joke

He asked Shaq if any of his children had a normal name. Clearly miffed, O’Neal threatened the Chuckster, “Chuck, talk about my kids again, I’m telling you…” Shaq has faced many offensive jokes in his time. While the show moved past the topic, it seems like the two legends have too.

While ESPN faces major problems, Shaq’s employers at TNT are thriving. With two of the best in Sir Charles and Shaq, the channel has become a can’t-miss TV show. On top of that, their specials like The Match continue to attract numerous viewers.

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Will ESPN live up to its lofty standards and challenge TNT again? Let’s wait and watch – until then, we can tune into Shaq’s IG or Windy for the latest scoop!