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Shaquille O’Neal, a towering figure in the NBA and one of the most successful basketball legends, has skillfully built a fortune in the business world since retiring from the game. Known for his sharp instincts both on and off the court, the Los Angeles Lakers icon has cemented his reputation as a savvy businessman. However, O’Neal recently opened up about an instance where he lost a major business opportunity due to a controversial statement he made about the Earth.
In a candid conversation with his son Myles during the “GOAT Talk” segment on Complex this past September, Shaq revealed how his belief that the Earth is flat cost him a significant deal. His theory, which was met with harsh criticism, created a backlash that even affected his professional life. According to O’Neal, one of his business partners decided to back out of a $20 million deal due to the negative response he received.
“This is a true story. I said the Earth was flat one time, and I lost a f**king big deal on that,” the Hall of Fame center shared. “Cause the haters, it was like 500,000 hate mails. ‘They said, ‘Man, we can’t.’ [It was a] Big deal, like $20 million.”
For many, the idea that the Earth is flat is a bizarre and outdated concept, but for Shaq, it stems from his own observations. O’Neal argued that based on his personal experiences and what he has seen, the world appears flat from his perspective. His stance challenges the widely accepted scientific consensus, raising eyebrows and drawing criticism.
To support his theory, Shaq pointed out various aspects of his life that he believes demonstrate the Earth’s flatness. In one example, he recalled a long flight he took.
“I flew 20 hours today. Not once did I go this way,” O’Neal explained, mimicking the motion of tipping over.
He went on to further elaborate on his point, referencing the calmness of the lake he has lived by for 30 years. “You know they say the world is spinning? I’ve lived on a lake for 30 years, and I’ve never seen the lake move to the left or right,” he said.
Shaq the puppet says Earth Is Flat
Then goes back on his words because he’s controlled
Notice the tone and seriousness when saying it’s flat, then they make them go back on their word, because they are paid puppets and shills!
And don’t want you knowing truth or real knowledge pic.twitter.com/VVQGMmDe7F
— WaterFindsLevel (@waterfindslevel) April 14, 2024
Despite his controversial views, Shaq’s business achievements and basketball legacy are undeniable. His accomplishments as one of the NBA’s most dominant players have cemented his place in history, but his ventures beyond the court have been just as successful. With a net worth of $500 million, O’Neal’s ability to navigate the business world has made him a true mogul.
Nevertheless, the fallout from his flat-Earth comments serves as a reminder that even someone as influential as Shaquille O’Neal can face repercussions in the business world based on personal beliefs. The company that pulled out of the $20 million deal clearly didn’t share his views, and their decision serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of public persona and professional success.
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