Shaquille O’Neal has been one of the most recognizable figures in the post-Michael Jordan era. Shaq’s personality on the court and off the court are polar opposites, which helped him rise to stardom even outside US soil.
The light-hearted 7’1″ NBA legend is known for his jolly nature and selflessness. However, sometimes his everlasting appetite for the thrill in life has left him in sticky situations over the years. One such thing happened when the Big Diesel set sail for London.
Why was Shaquille O’Neal arrested in London?
On “The Late Late Show with James Corden” Shaquille O’Neal joined one of the Spice Girls, Victoria Beckham. Shaq revealed a story of how he got into detention for bumping the Queen’s guard.
The Royal Guards stand still in their uniforms and are not allowed to smile or speak as they always perform their duty with an unflinching devotion to the crown.
Now before the incident, Shaq was challenged into a dare by his friend to physically move the Royal Guard with a bet of $50,000 on the line. O’Neal accepted it and consequently paid for it.
During his explanation Shaq asked the host to stand up so that he could portray the incident. While performing his dare he tried a couple of head movements to get some response from the Guard. After some attempts, he mistakenly bumped the Guard and in a flash he was taken to a back room where he was detained.
How did Shaquille O’Neal avoid London arrest?
As touching the Queen’s Guards is strictly against the norms, Shaq was taken into a room for detention. He then disclosed that he used Victoria’s spouse, the former Manchester United star David Beckham’s name to get out of the trouble, who had a close relationship with the Royal family.
Shaq told a Guard, “David Beckham is your guy over here, I’m the black David Beckham of the States.” Then he further apologized to the then-prince, “Tell Prince Charles that the black David Beckham, Shaquille O’Neal, is sorry for this incident,” and he finally got released.
Shaq shared another funny incident on the show which also involved the soccer genius. The 51-year-old once discovered Beckham’s lost wallet and while reaching out to him, Shaq tried to prank him by changing his voice and called Beckham. He said in a false voice, “I’ve got your wallet,” but the Inter Miami CF co-owner did not buy it.
Shaq can have great influences on the lives of millions but this one instance of messing around a Queen’s guard is something that should be avoided at all times.
