Browns Players Should Help Lift TV Blackout
August 19, 2009Trevor Crowe to DL, Matt LaPorta Called Up
August 19, 2009Last night provided us all with the long awaited premier of Shaquille O’Neal’s reality television show Shaq Vs. By now, you know the premise. Gigantic basketball player a bit past his prime challenges other athletes in their respective sports to prove that he is more well-rounded than perceived – you know, as a gigantic basketball player a bit past his prime.
While I was unsure as to how the entire show would unfold, I must say that if I can judge from one show, ABC is focusing and capitalizing on Shaq’s most valuable asset. His soundbites. Right out of the gate, Shaquille O’Neal’s mug is front and center dropping one-liner after one-liner.
The pilot episode featured the Big Arostotle taking on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The opening scene features O’Neal attempting to get the low down from his trainer as they fly in to Pittsburgh. Not long thereafter, O’Neal and his trainer – en route to Roethlisberger’s home – drop the window on their car to talk with the car full of females that happened to be pacing along side. Not only did they recognize O’Neal right away, but they fittingly said that the big man could take Big Ben in a quarterbacking competition. It is these types of impromptu bits of footage that make the show entertaining.
Meeting Roethlisberger at his home, the two athletes exchange barbs for an entire segment. On the basketball court, where the two played a game of HORSE, the two men decided the rules by which they would play in the “challenge.” Best of three rounds, “heavy touch” football. Roethlisberger’s team would start from the 40-yard line. O’Neals would start from the 20-yard line. Whomever scored more touchdowns wins. The winner would get to wear a championship ring of the other’s for an entire week.
Once the rules were laid out, the game of HORSE carried on. Shaq was up early, as depicted above. O’Neal then claimed that he would let Big Ben win as a mind game. Ben’s reward for sinking the game-winning three ball was that he got to dunk on O’Neal – on a shorter rim, of course. I’m sure this footage will lead to plenty of LeBron James jokes, but all in all the segment was fairly entertaining. Somewhat painful if you’re a Cavaliers fan watching O’Neal shoot jump-shots, but entertaining for the mass audience.
The highlight, in my opinion, was the combine that Shaq went through. It was here that we were privy to actual metrics of the O’Neal as to how he truly compares to other athletes. After all, touch football can only prove so much. While Shaq had some good zip on the ball in passing drills, he also ran the 40-yard dash in 5.8 seconds, was fairly impressive in the cone-based 20-yard shuttle, and had a vertical reach of 11’7″. Roethlisberger fittingly mocked O’Neal’s 40-yard dash time, as well as his running form. For comparison purposes, rookie offensive tackle Eugene Monroe ran a 5.23. O’Neal, despite this time, claimed that he would be a solid tight end in the NFL.
If I had to select a portion of the show that is a bit of a detractor, it is the cheesy game play with the announcers. Pitting a play-by-play with color commentary, Mike Goldberg and Pat Tomasulo seemed to be just a few puns short of the guys that host Wipe Out. The sideline reporter Charissa Thompson, of Big Ten Network fame, will undoubtedly appeal to the male portion of the audience. I didn’t mind her – who would? – but some of the lines that she delivered seemed a bit too prepared for what is being dubbed as a “reality” show.
The actual challenge itself was squeezed in to the final few minutes of the show. O’Neal was very impressive early on, scoring touchdowns in each of his first two drives. Roethlisberger followed suit, scoring both times as well. However, on Big Ben’s second drive, we saw a pretty impressive interception by O’Neal himself; one that he took all the way back for what would have been six points the other way. The only problem was that O’Neal was not considered a member of the defense, and actually gave his team eight men (in a 7-on-7 game). Alas, Roethlisberger got the ball back and would score.
O’Neal’s third drive would end on an interception. The play was for the receiver to run a quick out, which Shaq would fake the pass, and then he would throw it up to the back corner. The only problem was that O’Neal left the ball about five yards short and it was easily picked off. Roethlisberger would end the competition by scoring on his third attempt. The two engaged in a quick hug, and the show came to an end. The build-up to the game was given a lot more screen time than the challenge itself. But all in all, it was that part of the show which I found the most entertaining.
A few notes of mention:
– Roethlisberger opted for Shaq’s ring from his championship in Miami versus any of those won in L.A.
– Shaq did run on to the field screaming “Here we go Steelers, here we go.” It definitely made me grit my teeth, but he definitely plays in to the fans that come out to support the show.
– Though not even settling in with his own Cleveland team, I’m sure we will here plenty of “Shaq should be in the mix for the quarterback job” talk today. Watercooler warriors beware.
– O’Neal did hint that this could in fact be his last season, and he has every intention of going out on top. A great thing for Cavs fans.
It is definitely a show that I’ll try to catch again. The challenge against Michael Phelps could be the most entertaining out of any of them. Something about Shaq in a pool will make for an interesting hour of television. So with all of that said, if you watched the show, what were your thoughts? Will you be watching future episodes? What would you change?
19 Comments
couldn’t agree more. my take was very, very similar. shaq’s natural entertainment value is off the charts…
If it weren’t for DVR, I wouldn’t watch it. It’s entertaining enough, but not “can’t miss TV”.
I’m with boom. I put it on as background material while doing other stuff and only really paid attention during the final segment.
The show sucked. Everything that happened seemed scripted to me.
I thought at first it was scripted too – until I watched the actual challenge. You could tell that wasn’t scripted at all. Neither was the game of horse.
So despite the cheesiness, the show is at least real as far as the challenges go.
Shaq vs. Favre: Who will play for more teams before retiring
Answer: Joe Smiff.
@5
I think the challenge was mostly real, but I couldn’t help but wonder when Shaq threw that TD pass to the wide open dude in the back of the end zone. I think for the replay they showed a close up of Shaq throwing the ball, then cut to a close up of the receiver standing there wide open making the catch. Maybe I was too skeptical at this point of the show though.
I’d like to see a beer drinking challenge between Rob Ryan and Brian Daboll.
Ryan has the look of a guy that could outdrink just about anyone.
Except Denny.
When shaq threw that pick there was definitely pass interference on the play. the defenders hit the WR out of bounds.
But the show as a whole was entertaining enough. nothing better was on tv at the time, even tho the announcers were annoying and it was a bit cheesey. Next week he goes up against Misty May (and her partner).
Rob Ryan coached the last 4 years in Oakland….no way you get through that without help from Jack, Johnny, or Jim.
You can tell how dead the rivalry between the Browns and Steelers is by watching this show. I don’t think there was a single mention of it, and Shaq both wore a Steelers jersey and started a Steelers chant.
However, I did really enjoy the show, more for the comedy than anything else. I also felt bad because Mike Goldberg is a really good announcer (he does all the UFC PPVs and shows) and I think the other guy and the script really brought him down.
I will watch again though.
Shaq is a funny guy. Period. The show is worth watching just to see what he’ll say next. He actually gave Big Ben a run for his money…I loved the “No easy win!” line…hilarious. I will watch again. The announcers were VERY cheesy like a lot of people said.
Quite possibly, the worst show I’ve ever seen.
@7 Yes…Joe Smiff
[…] show has apparently bubbled up over the last few days. While O’Neal was the man behind the microphone as well as the center on Tuesday night, the Arizona Republic reports that he won’t be the only one getting credit […]
Love him or hate him there is no one like Shaq. I work on “Shaq Vs” and have enjoyed every chance I get to be around him…he’s just so darn funny. The man is comedy in a 7 ft frame.
His next show on Tuesday night features him on the beach playing against Olympic gold medalists Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh. He’ll also step onto the court with Serena Williams to help her train for the US Open. You have to see the big surprise at the end of the episode. Let’s just say we find a new color that Shaq looks good in.
Be sure to catch the show when Albert Pujols, Michael Phelps and Oscar De La Hoya step up to face the challenge of his Shaqness.
Tune in Tuesday night at 8pm ET & PT on ABC. Can you dig it?
@ 8 – The game was real, we know that from people that were at it. So, unless it was totally acted out in front of the fans there, then it was not scripted. The earlier bits of the show were somewhat scripted, but no more than almost every other “reality” show out there.
@ 13 – City rivalries are not important for those not from the city, Shaq was playing up to the crowd in front of him, not to the people of Cleveland watching on the TV.
For me the show is worth a download at least, I only watched it as a Steeler fan, but probably will watch more later on. Just because Shaq is pretty damn funny. He talks *poopoo*, but he backs it up with some skill and then fronts up when he loses.
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