(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Turner)
Long before Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley became one of the most iconic and hilarious NBA analyst duos, they didn’t get along that well.
Back in 1999, during a much more physical time in basketball, Shaq was the most dominant force in the game, and a guy you simply didn’t want to mess with.
Barkley was no longer in his prime and on his way out of the league, but he was still feared and respected around the league.
That’s why the two alpha dogs got into it during a Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets matchup.
Barkley went up for a shot in the paint and was fouled by Brian Shaw.
Then, Shaq tried to block him and shoved him, with Barkley throwing the basketball at him and starting a fist fight that ended with Barkley in a headlock by O’Neal.
Notably, today marks the 24th anniversary of that fight, and fans took to Twitter to recall that incident on Ball Is Life’s post.
Shaq was real humble on the show at first lol
— Big B (@BWareLaFlare) November 10, 2023
Damn ima fossil because I remember this
— Lit Mami (@PesoStayFLY) November 10, 2023
Best show on TV
— Mike Smith (@MikeSmith_202) November 10, 2023
Kevin Harlan had me scream laughing over his commentary during this fight (‘OH THERE’S A SWING BY ONEAL! AND THEY GOT A BROUHAHA ON THE FLOOR’).
— Michael Stallworth (@Sophisti88) November 10, 2023
Notably, Shaq later revealed that Barkley’s mom actually called him over the phone.
She demanded an apology and warned him never to put his hands on her son again.
To Shaq’s surprise, his own mother was also on the three-way call, and she also told Shaq to apologize.
Surprisingly, neither Shaq nor Chuck were aware that their moms were actually good friends.
On the bright side, that incident paved the way for the relationship they have nowadays, bringing joy and laughter every time they’re on set together.
The post Fans Are Remembering Wild Shaq, Charles Barkley Moment Today appeared first on The Cold Wire.