Shaquille O’Neal’s Explosive TNT Outburst: ‘We Getting Fired Anyway!’ Sparks Profane Controversy

Okay, the user wants me to shorten this article to about 650 words and add some pictures. Let me start by reading through the content carefully. The original text is around 947 words, so I need to cut out roughly 300 words.

First, I need to identify the key points. The main story is about Shaquille O’Neal dropping an F-bomb on live TV during the "Inside the NBA" show, referencing Marshawn Lynch and commenting on possibly getting fired. There’s context about the show moving to ESPN and contract issues. The article includes some details about the show’s future, the hosts, and O’Neal’s contract situation.

Next, I’ll remove redundant information. The original has repetitive mentions of the show’s move to ESPN and Shaq’s contract. I’ll condense that. Also, specific dates and times in the byline can be simplified since they’re less critical. The technical HTML and CSS parts are irrelevant and should be excluded.

I’ll make sure to keep the essential quotes, especially Shaq’s expletive and his comment about getting fired. Including Ernie Johnson’s reaction and the studio audience’s shock is important. The details about the show’s transition and contract negotiations should be succinct.

For adding pictures, the original has images with captions. I’ll note their positions but since I can’t actually insert images, I’ll mention where they should go. For example, the image of Shaq during the rant and another from Super Bowl week.

I need to maintain a conversational tone while shortening. Avoid complex sentences. Check for flow to ensure the condensed version still tells the whole story without losing important facts. Verify the word count after trimming. Also, ensure that the key quotes and moments are highlighted to retain the article’s impact.

Finally, review the shortened version to make sure it’s around 650 words. Remove any fluff, combine sentences where possible, and ensure clarity. Make sure the structure is logical: introduction of the incident, context, reactions, and implications for the show’s future and Shaq’s career.
Shaquille O’Neal Drops F-Bomb on Live TV: ‘We Getting Fired Anyway!’
By Ben Nagle | Updated: 05:09 GMT, 14 February 2025

[Insert Image: Shaquille O’Neal during the TNT broadcast, mid-rant]

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal shocked viewers during TNT’s Inside the NBA broadcast Thursday night with an expletive-laden outburst, declaring, “We getting fired anyway!” The incident occurred during a live All-Star Weekend special in San Francisco, as the popular show prepares to move to ESPN next season.

O’Neal, 52, sparked chaos after racing fellow analyst Charles Barkley to the studio’s video board. Returning to the desk, he shouted, “In the words of Marshawn Lynch, I’m tired as s,” before adding, “We getting fired anyway Ernie, f it!” Lead host Ernie Johnson—under contract through 2026—and the live audience were left stunned.

[Insert Image: O’Neal and Barkley laughing during the broadcast]

The outburst comes amid uncertainty about O’Neal’s future. While Inside the NBA was saved by a deal with ESPN/ABC after TNT lost NBA broadcast rights, Shaq’s contract expires July 2025. Reports suggest frustration over premature announcements about the show’s lineup despite his unsigned status.

The Hall of Famer previously expressed loyalty to TNT, but the network’s failure to retain NBA games cast doubt on the show’s survival. ESPN’s takeover of the program secured jobs for Johnson, Barkley, and Kenny Smith, but Shaq’s role remains unconfirmed.

Fans reacted wildly online, with some praising the unfiltered moment as “peak Shaq” while others criticized the professionalism. The incident added fuel to speculation that O’Neal’s legendary 15-year run on the show could end abruptly.

[Insert Image: "Inside the NBA" panel (Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal, Smith)]

Inside the NBA has dominated sports broadcasting for decades, blending analysis with humor. O’Neal’s antics—like Thursday’s meltdown—have been a staple, but this marked his most volatile moment yet.

As the NBA transitions