Shaquille O’Neal video bombs ESPN’s Molly McGrath during live sideline report

Shaquille O’Neal might be the only 7-footer stealth enough to video bomb an ESPN reporter on live television without getting caught.

O’Neal was in attendance to watch his alma mater, the No. 13 LSU Tigers, during their 29-26 win over the No. 9 Ole Miss Rebels Saturday night. And while enjoying the game, Shaq would not be denied the opportunity to appear live on ABC.

Shaq ALWAYS knows where the camera is. pic.twitter.com/LVXYHz3enw

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 13, 2024

Shaq’s cameo occurred at the start of the third quarter, just as ESPN’s Molly McGrath was giving her sideline report. With McGrath relaying a conversation she had with LSU coach Brian Kelly at halftime, O’Neal and the remains of a hot pretzel crept behind the ESPN reporter and stared right into the camera.

Sunday morning, McGrath shared the clip of Shaq’s video bomb on social media, adding, “I could feel someone behind me, had no idea it was Shaq,” along with a laughing crying emoji.

I could feel someone behind me, had no idea it was Shaq 😂 https://t.co/1rnmRWIH8o

— Molly McGrath (@MollyAMcGrath) October 13, 2024

How could you not feel the presence of Shaq’s 7-foot-1-inch 325-pound frame? Despite feeling like something was going on behind her without knowing who or what it was, McGrath remained composed and completed her sideline report seemingly unfazed. Only to later find out one of the biggest people and personalities in sports was standing right behind her.

Credit McGrath for being unflappable on camera. But also, it could have been great television if McGrath turned around to see Shaq over her shoulder and decided to hand him a live mic for a minute or two.

[ESPN on ABC]