Shaquille O’Neal Celebrates Graduation with a Nod to Charles Barkley

Shaquille O’Neal, the former NBA star turned multi-billionaire, has ventured into various fields, from broadcasting to business, and even took on the role of a sheriff’s deputy at one point. Recently, he added another achievement to his list—a master’s degree. And, what better occasion to poke fun at his friend and fellow TV personality Charles Barkley than just before receiving his degree at the recent LSU commencement?

Shaq, who played college basketball at LSU before his NBA career took off, returned to earn a master’s degree in liberal arts from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. It’s quite a journey, really.

Graduation ceremonies often involve someone reading names aloud, typically ensuring they pronounce it correctly so no one stumbles in front of friends and family. But, with Shaquille O’Neal, people might expect a little more flair. After all, he’s known for his larger-than-life persona.

Called “Shaquille ‘I hate Charles Barkley’ O’Neal,” it’s clear that the back-and-forth banter between the two friends is something fans enjoy. I mean, they really seem committed to this playful rivalry. It almost makes you wonder if Barkley ever considered enrolling in school just to have the chance to throw a few jabs at Shaq at his own graduation.

Can you picture it? Years spent writing papers just to hand a part-time professor a card reading “Charles ‘Shaq is a Tool’ Burke Lee.” Wouldn’t that be something? The folks at Auburn University might want to expedite the process, so Barkley doesn’t get bogged down with unnecessary prerequisites for a degree in “Leadership.”

It’s these little moments, these friendly digs and the camaraderie, that really make their relationship special.