Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most fascinating figures to enter the NBA in history. On the court, O’Neal was a dominant beast, getting and everything he wanted from opposition players using his frightening mix of size, speed, and strength.
Off the court, Shaq is a charismatic figure, who is extremely charming and funny in a way few NBA players have been. It’s this ability to make whatever he says and does so interesting that has made Shaq one of the most captivating figures in the NBA, and he continues to do so to this day.
O’Neal became an NBA panelist after retiring in 2011. ‘The Diesel’ has incredible presence and charisma, which is why he makes for such entertaining viewing whenever he is on television.
Much of Shaq’s stint as a panelist is remembered for his chemistry with Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley, as the hosts of Inside The NBA. All four have an incredible dynamic with each other, especially Shaq and Barkley.
The duo often disagrees with each other, and things can get heated. And of course, their underlying animosity stems from the physical altercation they had during their playing careers.
But aside from his work as a panelist, O’Neal also does music, having released albums as a rapper and DJ. Shaq could be one of the most versatile celebrity athletes in history, because of what he has been able to do.
But one thing fans didn’t expect from Shaq was to be a Freemason. In a 2012 interview, Shaquille O’Neal was being questioned about a ring he was wearing while hosting Game Time.
He initially remained evasive, noting that the ring was to do with his profession. Upon further questioning, Shaq confirmed that he was a member of the Freemasons, one of the world’s biggest secret societies.
So one can add ‘Freemason’ to the list of hats that O’Neal wears in his life. Few would have expected a player of his notoriety to be a member of the Freemason’s order, but Shaq didn’t seem to hide it.
