JaVale McGee does not seem to be a fan of “Shaqtin’ a Fool.”
The Denver Nuggets center was interviewed on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” following his team’s 107-92 win over the Los Angeles Clippers Thursday. He did not seem to enjoy the hosts’ multiple references to his recurring appearances on “Shaqtin’ a Fool.”
In case you’re unfamiliar with “Shaqtin’ a Fool,” it’s a regular bit that is done each week on “Inside the NBA.” Shaq leads a countdown of the five screwiest moments in the NBA over the past week (you can watch it here) while he and the crew make fun of the plays.
McGee, whose goofball reputation precedes him, seems to make the segment every week because of his mind-numbing errors. Shaq’s constant mocking of the Denver center led to an awkward interview Thursday.
Asked by Ernie Johnson about his relationship with Shaq, McGee answered “[Shaq]’s more like a bully, I guess, that likes me, I guess.”
When Shaq praised McGee while reminding him he would end up on “Shaqtin’ a Fool” every time he screws up, McGee accepted it.
“No press is bad press,” said McGee.
But McGee did want to make one thing clear: “I don’t watch Shaqtin’ a coon,” he told the crew with a smile on his face.
Coon is a derogatory term used to describe black people, and McGee’s mention of the word led Johnson to say the interview had taken an unexpected turn.
McGee also seized his opportunity to zing Shaq, closing his interview by telling the Big Fella he’s “old as dirt.”
It’s pretty based on that interview that McGee doesn’t think much of the segment that has become a tribute to his idiotic plays on the court.
