Charles Barkley Jokes About Shaquille O'Neal's FBI Ties
The NBA analyst playfully warned his co-hosts about Shaquille O'Neal's connection with FBI Director Kash Patel.
During the "NBA Tip-Off" pregame show, Charles Barkley jokingly cautioned his "Inside the NBA" colleagues about Shaquille O’Neal’s association with FBI Director Kash Patel. The remark elicited laughter from host Ernie Johnson and the rest of the broadcast crew.
"Should we be standing this close to Shaq?" Barkley asked fellow analyst Kenny Smith. When Smith inquired why, Barkley responded, "He’s been hanging out with Kash Patel. That’s dangerous."
Johnson expressed surprise at Barkley's direction, to which Barkley added, "I got your back, big fella. We can hang out with who the hell we want to."
Barkley's jest alluded to Patel’s September announcement that O'Neal had been named an honorary FBI special agent. Patel shared the news on X, formerly Twitter, stating, "This session is historic – FBI was honored to be joined by one of the best supporters of law enforcement in the country – Shaq – who graduated with this session and became an honorary FBI Special Agent."
During his own graduation ceremony for an honorary degree, O’Neal had previously lightheartedly suggested arresting Barkley. "Some of you will go do what I do, be undercover. Well, I was undercover… But I just wanna say I appreciate you guys so much. Congratulations. I am not here for this; I am here for you… And if you see Charles Barkley, arrest him," O'Neal had said.
O'Neal became a permanent fixture on "Inside the NBA" in 2011, joining Smith, who joined in 1998, and Barkley, who came aboard in 2000. Johnson has hosted the program for over three decades.