Shaquille O’Neal Shockingly Kept Legendary Lakers Commentators’ Trash as a Bizarre Souvenir
Shaquille O’Neal, the legendary NBA center, is known not only for his incredible basketball skills but also for his larger-than-life personality and penchant for pranks. Recently, former colleagues from his time with the Los Angeles Lakers shared a bizarre story that highlights Shaq’s unusual sense of humor: he collected feces as a souvenir.
Shaq: The Prankster Extraordinaire
O’Neal has a long history of playful antics. From playing a comedic role in Adam Sandler’s *Grown Ups 2* to pulling pranks on his friends and colleagues, Shaq’s playful nature has always been evident. Just weeks ago, he and his cousin Bill Bellamy reminisced about a prank involving placing feces in a friend’s Ferrari. More recently, he filled the car of his *Inside the NBA* co-host Kenny Smith with snow, showcasing his continuous love for practical jokes.
A History with Feces
Former Lakers teammate Cedric Ceballos recounted Shaq’s peculiar obsession with feces during an episode of Byron Scott’s *Fast Break* podcast. Ceballos described an unsettling experience, saying, “[Shaq] always would play with feces for some reason. What are you gonna do with [a guy who’s] 7’1″, 300 pounds that’s trying to put some feces on you? I’m trying to be clean right now for the fans and the kids … but stop playing with s***, man!”
This lighthearted yet alarming admission set the stage for further revelations about Shaq’s antics.
The Chick Hearn Incident
Garry Vitti, the former head athletic trainer for the Lakers from the Showtime era through Kobe Bryant’s final game, shared a particularly memorable story involving Shaq, legendary broadcaster Chick Hearn, and an unfortunate incident on a team bus. When Scott inquired about the tale, Vitti confirmed its authenticity, recalling the events vividly.
“It’s true… There was a plastic bag in the liner for the trash can, so it was already in a plastic bag. He just pulled it out and tied it up, and he told me he’s still got them. He’s got them in a safe. That’s some nasty…” Vitti explained.
According to Vitti, Shaq had playfully tripped Hearn on the bus, leading to an embarrassing situation where Hearn ended up soiling himself. Instead of cleaning up the mess immediately, the team continued their journey, leading to a foul odor permeating the bus.
“We had asked the bus driver to stop because we were going to Newark. We played the Knicks the night before, and this bus smells so bad… I don’t know if they understood what was happening with the man, but they let him by. I had no idea it was happening until you smell it,” Vitti added.
To alleviate the smell, the team had to unload their luggage so Hearn could change clothes. During this commotion, they discovered that Hearn was also experiencing a heart episode, adding a layer of seriousness to the prank.
The Souvenir Collection
When Scott pressed Vitti about the claim that Shaquille O’Neal kept Hearn’s feces as a souvenir, Vitti confirmed it with a firm “yes.” He expressed his admiration for Shaq but also noted the constant need for vigilance around him. “You couldn’t even leave toothbrushes out in the open because they would eventually find themselves kissing Shaq’s behind,” Vitti joked.
Conclusion
The stories surrounding Shaquille O’Neal’s antics, especially those involving his peculiar collection of feces, highlight the playful and sometimes outrageous nature of life in the NBA. While these tales might be shocking to some, they are a testament to the camaraderie and humor that often define the relationships among teammates. For fans of Shaq, these stories serve as a reminder that behind the towering figure and basketball prowess lies a playful prankster who never fails to entertain.
