Shaquille O’Neal has never been one to mince his words. The Basketball Hall of Famer and “Inside the NBA” co-host has authored a number of memorable quotes over the course of his legendary playing and broadcasting careers.

Few will match the venom he showcased during Thursday night’s edition of TNT’s banner NBA program. While recapping the first half of the Timberwolves‘ clash with the Thunder, O’Neal — seemingly worn out after a race with Charles Barkley — let loose on a short but stinging rebuke. The target of his tirade? His tiredness — and perhaps TNT’s executives, too.

Here’s what you need to know.

MORE: Ranking ‘Inside the NBA’ best moments

Shaquille O’Neal invokes Marshawn Lynch in NSFW rant on ‘Inside the NBA’

As is tradition, O’Neal and the rest of his “Inside the NBA” co-hosts delivered their final episode of the first half of the season at the site of the All-Star Game — this time, the Bay Area.

O’Neal and Barkley engaged in a friendly bit of competition as they typically do, dashing toward the video board in the back of the set in the hopes of best each other in the process.

O’Neal won the battle, outgunning the former 76ers and Suns star in the final stretch. He wasn’t left without his fair share of battle scars, however. As he walked back to his seat, O’Neal rattled off a series of curse words in quick succession.

“In the words of Marshawn Lynch, I’m tired as s—, America,” O’Neal said. “We’re getting fired anyway, Ernie, f— it!”

Shaq:

“In the words of Marshawn Lynch, I’m tired as sh*t, America. We are getting fired anyway, Ernie. Fu*k it.” 😂😂😂😂

(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)

pic.twitter.com/7AWqX2qi86

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 14, 2025

The moment elicited plenty of laughter among O’Neal’s colleagues. It was just the sort of remark Lynch was known for over the course of his glittering NFL career. He’s carried that tradition into his post-playing career, as he showcased during his guest appearance on “Inside the NBA” earlier in the night. 

“WOP WOP WOP” 🤣@MoneyLynch recounts “that” Super Bowl moment at the 1yd line. pic.twitter.com/s6wtsTwidd

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 14, 2025

With “Inside the NBA” set to leave TNT airwaves following the 2024-25 season, O’Neal and Co. might have carte blanche to fire off whatever wacky comments come to mind.

Given O’Neal and Barkley’s quick wit, that could prove a harrowing prospect for the producers who work on “Inside the NBA.”

Have no fear, though, NBA fans: “Inside the NBA” will air on ESPN and ABC next season.