“Like Shaquille O’Neal Stepping On Your Face”: Comedy Icon Eddie Murphy Admits Fear of Going to NBA Games

Eddie Murphy, the comedy legend known for his iconic roles and sharp wit, has a surprising confession about his experiences attending NBA games. While many fans, including fellow comedians like Kevin Hart, Bill Burr, Billy Crystal, and Chris Rock, enjoy sitting courtside to catch the action, Murphy admits to harboring an irrational fear that keeps him on edge during games.

A Lifelong Love for Basketball

Murphy’s passion for basketball dates back to his childhood. Growing up in New York City, he developed a strong allegiance to the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming a familiar face in the celebrity row at Lakers games. His love for the team blossomed during the 1980s, particularly after his breakout role in the 1984 film **Beverly Hills Cop**. Over the years, he has witnessed numerous iterations of the Lakers’ roster, all while remaining captivated by the fast-paced nature of the NBA.

The Fear Factor

Despite his enthusiasm for the sport, Murphy harbors a significant fear that looms over his game-day experience. In a candid moment on the show **360 With Speedy**, he shared, “I have the greatest fear with basketball. One of these giant m********** coming and going for a ball and run you over.” This fear is not entirely unfounded, as the nature of basketball can lead to unexpected moments where players dive into the crowd to save a loose ball.

Murphy humorously elaborated on the potential embarrassment of being caught in such a situation, joking, “You’re on the TV and on the news. Shaq’s stepping on your face.” The thought of a towering figure like Shaquille O’Neal, who stands at 7 feet 1 inch and weighs 325 pounds, hurtling toward him is enough to send shivers down his spine.

Shaquille O’Neal: A Case Study

Shaquille O’Neal’s presence on the court is formidable, and even his own teammates have been known to clear the way when he goes after a loose ball. A memorable incident occurred in 2008 when O’Neal, then with the Phoenix Suns, dove for a ball that had rolled toward the bench. The sight of his teammates scrambling to avoid him has become one of the funniest moments in NBA social media history.

Murphy finds humor in his fear but insists it is very real. “My biggest fear is to be sitting there and one of them guys goes dive for some ball, knocks you out and turns you into some meme,” he remarked. This fear of becoming a viral sensation for all the wrong reasons is something many can relate to, especially in today’s digital age.

Conclusion

While Eddie Murphy may be a beloved figure in comedy, his fear of attending NBA games adds a relatable twist to his persona. The thought of a player like Shaquille O’Neal barreling toward him is a source of both anxiety and amusement. Thankfully, Murphy has managed to maintain his status as a meme for over a decade, and fans can only hope that Shaq doesn’t step on him anytime soon. As Murphy continues to enjoy the thrills of basketball, it seems that his fear will remain a humorous aspect of his celebrity experience.