Shaquille O'Neal wasn't about to let outrageous rumors slide. The retired NBA legend took to his podcast, The Big Podcast, on March 20 to address viral speculation that he'd sent Sabrina Carpenter some rather NSFW Instagram messages. The internet had been buzzing with alleged screenshots showing these cheeky exchanges, but Shaq was quick to set the record straight.
Reading the messages aloud, Shaq showed just how absurd the claims were. One purported message read: "Damn, baby. I would keep your farts in a cologne bottle and spray it on me every day. Just jokes, I’m Shaq. What’s your name, baby?" The supposed response from Carpenter? "I know who you are. You’re way too famous to be sending messages like that."
“First of all, ladies, the Diesel got way more game than that. I’m just saying,” O'Neal humorously remarked.
Another over-the-top message claimed, "I can't be horny and want some of that Snow Bunny kitty? You're being rude for no reason," with an additional nickname-heavy one stating, "You can’t handle Big Diesel anyway. My meat would have you in the hospital." Shaq took it all in stride, using the opportunity to poke fun at today's youth for their viral-chasing antics.
O'Neal, father to six children from previous relationships, often finds himself in the spotlight for more than just his sports legacy. Last year, he quickly dispelled dating rumors involving adult content creator Sophie Rain by humorously offering up Instagram quips about dating fans' mothers instead.
As for Sabrina Carpenter, the "Espresso" singer is reportedly flying solo after her recent split from actor Barry Keoghan. Her representatives have yet to comment on this humorously bizarre digital saga.