Saturday, June 28, 2025
Home Basketball Watch: Shaquille O'Neal wipes his tears as Ernie Johnson issues emotional farewell...

Watch: Shaquille O’Neal wipes his tears as Ernie Johnson issues emotional farewell message to TNT family

Ernie Johnson’s emotional message to the TNT family two weeks ago had Shaquille O’Neal wiping tears from his eyes in a new behind-the-scenes video. “Inside the NBA” is leaving TNT and will be broadcast on ESPN starting next season.

Ad

TNT released the four-part documentary called “The Inside Story” after Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday. One of the clips was Johnson’s message to the crew ahead of their final episode on TNT. O’Neal couldn’t help himself from becoming emotional two weeks ago when the clip was filmed.

“This is really special,” Johnson said. “Very thoughtful. “This is the greatest family in TV history, right here. Thanks.”

Ad

Ad

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

Some behind-the-scenes stuff was filmed throughout the season for the documentary. It's an emotional time for the "Inside the NBA" crew that has been on TNT since 1989. But for those unaware, the show is not ending but just leaving its original network.

After the NBA didn't sign a new contract with TNT, "Inside the NBA" was licensed by ESPN and ABC back in November. That means the original crew of Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith are back together but on a different network.

Ad

Despite being on ESPN, the show's concept will remain the same. The hosts are all set to return, as well as the entire staff and crew. They are all still signed to TNT deals, with ESPN and ABC just airing them as part of a licensing agreement.


Shaquille O'Neal reacts to Indiana Pacers' win in Game 4

Shaquille O'Neal reacts to Indiana Pacers' win in Game 4. (Photo: IMAGN)
Shaquille O'Neal reacts to Indiana Pacers' win in Game 4. (Photo: IMAGN)

The Indiana Pacers outlasted the New York Knicks in Game 4 to take control of the Eastern Conference finals. Tyrese Haliburton dropped 32 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists without turnovers to help the Pacers beat the Knicks 130-121. The Pacers are one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000.

Ad

After the game, Shaquille O'Neal had nothing but praise for the Pacers and how they responded to losing Game 3 despite being up by 20 points.

"I'm still waiting for (Andrew) Nembhard to show up because he's a good player," O'Neal said. "But (Pascal) Siakam played great. ... He played aggressive. Nembhard was ready, Tyrese played a fabulous game and all the others hit some timely shots."

Ad

https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/youtube-cover

The Pacers can close out the series on Thursday when they visit Madison Square Garden for Game 5.

Los Angeles Lakers Fan? Check out the latest Lakers depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

Quick Links

Edited by Juan Paolo David
RELATED ARTICLES

“This is some bullsh*t”: Jayson Tatum drops cryptic message amid painful rehab from Achilles injury

It will be a long time before Jayson Tatum sees action once again for the Boston Celtics. Currently, the six-time All-Star is recovering from his ruptured Achilles — a process that is anything but easy, as per Tatum's latest Tweet. Ad In the wee hours of Saturday morning, the Celtics star went on X to

Steph Curry shares heartfelt photo-filled message for Cooper Flagg: “Let’s get it” 

Cooper Flagg was picked No. 1 in the 2025 NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, kickstarting his NBA career. As a highly-touted rookie in this year’s class, Flagg had great expectations entering the league, but he is also getting valuable support from a legend like Steph Curry. Ad On Friday, Curry posted pictures

“Who died and gave you the keys?”: Kendrick Perkins rips Bill Simmons with no-holds-barred statement

Sportswriter Bill Simmons did not like former NBA player Kendrick Perkins’ analysis of the Toronto Raptors’ draft day move on Wednesday. Perkins said the Raptors would be a “top 6 seed” after using the No. 9 pick on former South Carolina star Collin Murray-Boyles. Simmons said in his podcast that he looked for a different

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisment -

Most Popular

“This is some bullsh*t”: Jayson Tatum drops cryptic message amid painful rehab from Achilles injury

It will be a long time before Jayson Tatum sees action once again for the Boston Celtics. Currently, the six-time All-Star is recovering from his ruptured Achilles — a process that is anything but easy, as per Tatum's latest Tweet. Ad In the wee hours of Saturday morning, the Celtics star went on X to

Steph Curry shares heartfelt photo-filled message for Cooper Flagg: “Let’s get it” 

Cooper Flagg was picked No. 1 in the 2025 NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, kickstarting his NBA career. As a highly-touted rookie in this year’s class, Flagg had great expectations entering the league, but he is also getting valuable support from a legend like Steph Curry. Ad On Friday, Curry posted pictures

Tennis couples in action at Wimbledon 2025 ft. Paula Badosa-Stefanos Tsitsipas

Anticipation for Wimbledon 2025 is reaching its fever pitch, with the tournament slated to begin in less than 48 hours. Barring a few notable absentees, all top players have gathered in London to claim one of the most coveted trophies in all of tennis. Ad Two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, 24-time Major champion Novak Djokovic

Frances Tiafoe emotionally looks back on his & girlfriend Ayan’s meeting with Anna Wintour as she steps down as Vogue editor-in-chief after 37 years

Frances Tiafoe recently reacted to the news of Vogue's editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, stepping down from her role after a long time of 37 years. The American shared an old picture of meeting with Wintour alongside her girlfriend, Ayan Broomfield. Ad Tiafoe shared a picture of him watching the news on CBS Mornings that showcased a

Recent Comments