WATCH: Shaquille O’Neal goes old-school as he playfully bullies Charles Barkley after ‘Couples Counseling’

During a recent segment on NBA on TNT, renowned analysts and former basketball stars Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley were joined by fellow legend Julius Erving. The three of them participated in a skit where Erving, known for his nickname from his playing days, played the role of a therapist. Shaq and Chuck played the couple seeking counseling, mirroring their on-screen dynamic of constant arguing.

Despite successfully making it through their counseling segment with laughter, Shaquille O’Neal continued to entertain Charles Barkley behind the scenes. In a comedic manner, O’Neal playfully pulled out a rubberband slingshot and jokingly challenged Barkley to walk in front of him while they finished filming their counseling session.

Shaquille O’Neal’s reputation as a “bully”on and off the court

Despite whether it was in jest or seriousness, Shaquille O’Neal was notorious for his tendency to bully others. Throughout his career, O’Neal fully embodied the definition of a bully and applied it to every aspect of his life. On the court, he was famously dominant in the paint, using his size and strength to overpower his opponents. Off the court, he was known to use harsh words to bully those he disliked, such as the late Kobe Bryant.

In the present day, Shaq playfully teases his colleagues on the NBA on TNT set and sometimes shares his opinions on current and former players. Despite this, it is often overlooked that Shaq’s teasing is his way of expressing affection towards others.

Dwight Howard is a prime example, as O’Neal has allegedly had a longstanding feud with him for years.

The rivalry between O’Neal and Howard dates back to the 2008 NBA dunk contest, during which Howard donned a Superman costume. This was a nickname that O’Neal had been known for, thanks to his impressive skills on the basketball court. O’Neal, who had proudly embraced the “Superman”moniker, saw Howard’s use of it as disrespectful, particularly because of the Superman emblem permanently etched on Howard’s shoulder.

After that particular incident, O’Neal kept a close watch on Howard’s career and frequently provided frank evaluations of his performances and areas for improvement as a player. While some perceived O’Neal’s critiques as harsh and intimidating, he maintained that it was his way of showing genuine care and encouragement for Howard.

Despite previously appearing to be tough on Howard, O’Neal recently revealed on Trae Young’s podcast that his actions were motivated by genuine care and admiration for the younger player’s commitment and hard work on the court. This marked a significant change in O’Neal’s public perception of Howard, as he openly expressed his admiration for him for the first time.

In the same manner, Shaquille O’Neal’s teasing and joking with colleagues and friends is his way of showing love and building connections, rather than engaging in bullying behavior. This highlights the special relationship he has with those in his inner circle.