I ‘Don’t Take Crap’ From Players With One Finals Appearance

What’s an NBA talk show without Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley taking hilarious jabs at each other? This time, it’s Shaq making headlines after a joke he made at the former 76ers, Suns, and Rockets player’s expense.

“I don’t take crap from a man who’s made it to the (NBA) Finals one time,” Shaq said while the two were bantering.

Take a listen:

A Look Back at Shaq and Charles Barkley’s Careers

O’Neal, who played 19 seasons in the NBA, is one of the most dominant centers in league history. A four-time champion, with titles for the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat, he earned three Finals MVP honors, 15 All-Star selections, and the league MVP award during the 1999–2000 season. He finished his career with over 28,000 points.

On the court, he was known for his raw power and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. Off the court, he’s one of the most popular personalities in sports, known for his unique sense of humor and playfulness. That extends to poking fun at his broadcast teammates.

Similarly, Barkley is one of the most accomplished power forwards in league history. During his 16-year career, Barkley earned 11 NBA All-Star selections and won the league MVP award during the 1992–93 season while leading the Suns to the NBA Finals. They lost the series to the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls in six games.

Barkley finished his career with more than 23,000 points and five All-NBA First Team selections. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. He also won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S. “Dream Team” in 1992 and 1996.

A Look Back at Shaq and Charles Barkley’s Broadcast Moments

This is far from the first time the two have gone at it. However, it’s usually just tongue-in-cheek.

“Google Me, Chuck”

This might be the moment people remember most. During an episode of Inside the NBA, O’Neal pulled out his phone and told Barkley to “Google me, Chuck.” It was a subtle joke, but it became more memorable because of what came next. As Barkley tried to respond, O’Neal repeatedly flashed his championship rings toward the studio cameras. It was a dig at Barkley’s lack of championships during his career.

The “Rings vs. MVP” Debate

It’s not always Shaq landing the low blows. During several heated debates, Barkley has pointed to his 1992–93 MVP season and Finals appearance as proof of his greatness. O’Neal quickly dismissed the argument, countering that championships are the ultimate measure of success.

Weight and Conditioning Jokes

This is where Chuck knows he can get under Shaq’s skin. Over the years, Barkley has teased O’Neal about his conditioning, particularly later in his career. Conversely, O’Neal has mocked Barkley’s weight. These jokes sometimes toe the line between teasing and going too far, but they usually end with a laugh from both.

Their witty banter and ability to take a joke are why they’re two of the most popular personalities in the NBA and across sports media. There will certainly be many more memorable studio moments to come.

Alex Shoemaker Alex Shoemaker is a seasoned sports journalist and digital content strategist with more than a decade of experience in newsrooms and digital media. He has covered a wide range of sports, including March Madness, the Olympic Trials, and local high school athletics. He began his journalism career covering high school and community sports, developing a reputation for sharp storytelling and precise design that earned awards for both writing and pagination. More about Alex Shoemaker