Shaquille O’Neal is known to be a powerful man with an affinity for Superman. But, even the most intimidating and athletic of athletes have their limits–he once injured himself while trying to imitate another superhero as well!
Shaquille O’Neal is an American retired professional basketball player, and has a special affinity for Superman. But he once injured himself while imitating another superhero by jumping off the roof of a building with his full weight on his arms. Read more in detail here: how tall is shaquille o’neal.
Shaquille O’Neal has a lot of monikers. He’s Diesel at times. He’s also known as The Big Aristotle. For the most part, he’s simply Shaq. However, Superman is one of the nicknames for the Hall of Fame center.
O’Neal, like the legendary hero who rescues Metropolis on a regular basis, is a larger-than-life person. So it’s no surprise that the former Los Angeles Lakers star has a soft spot for Clark Kent’s hidden identity. Shaq, on the other hand, once played a different superhero instead of his favorite Superman and experienced a harsh consequence as a result.
Shaquille O’Neal is a Superman enthusiast.
Dwight Howard is no longer relevant. If you ask any older basketball fan who the NBA’s Superman is, they’ll say Shaquille O’Neal, the four-time champion. It certainly helps that the 49-year-old is one of the biggest Man of Steel admirers out there.
Shaq has made Superman a part of his brand when he first got the moniker while playing for the Orlando Magic. The Superman insignia can be seen all over his outstanding automotive collection. His Florida house is adorned with Superman emblems, including a life-size sculpture of the DC Comics character. O’Neal has the famous “S” tattooed on his left arm, encircled by the words “Man of Steel,” in addition to Superman-themed insignia on apparel and jewelry.
Shaq has even had the opportunity to play a superhero on the big screen. But not as Kent, who was born on Krypton and reared in Smallville. Instead, in 1997, O’Neal had to settle with the critically panned Steel.
Shaq sustained an injury while posing as a different superhero.
On June 21, 2006 in Los Angeles, California, basketball star Shaquille O’Neal attends the global premiere of Warner Bros.’ film “Superman Returns.” Getty Images/Vince Bucci
The Lakers defeated the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 5, 2002. O’Neal had a big hand in the back-to-back champions’ 86-80 victory, with 23 points, 17 rebounds, and four blocks. However, he worked harder than most people thought during the game.
Shaq watched Spider-Man in cinemas two days before hosting Game 1. The movie was a success, grossing $825 million worldwide and making a great effect on many people, including O’Neal. During playing with his kids the morning of the game, the Man of Steel morphed into Peter Parker, claiming to be the famed web-slinging hero. However, while attempting to imitate Spider-wall-crawling Guy’s powers, the huge man tripped and wounded himself on the glass above the bathroom sink.
After Game 1, O’Neal told The Los Angeles Times, “That’s what happens when you cross superheroes.” O’Neal required four stitches on his left forearm to seal the cut.
Surprisingly, O’Neal’s Spider-Man-inspired injury wasn’t the only time he required stitches on that particular day. Shaq sliced his finger on the hoop while trying a block minutes into the third quarter, only hours after having his forearm stitched back together. He’d have to leave the game and have three more stitches before returning in the fourth quarter.
Shaquille O’Neal’s career will be remembered for a long time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RY1EKpJ5 EY
O’Neal should have known better than to attempt a Spider-Man impersonation. His extraordinary 19-year career proves that the big guy will always be Superman.
Shaq averaged 23.7 points and 10.9 rebounds while playing for six different clubs. He is a two-time scoring champion, with his lone MVP season in 1999-00 averaging 29.7 points on 57.4 percent shooting. O’Neal has also been named to 15 All-Star teams, 14 All-NBA teams, and three All-Defense teams. Along with his four rings, he has three Finals MVPs.
Shaq now earns his money as the host of TNT’s Inside the NBA, as well as dominating the business world and promoting a slew of goods and services. However, he is unlikely to endorse any other superhero except the Man of Steel in the near future.
Basketball Reference provided all statistics.
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