Shaq and Sir Charles once again prove that “NBA on TNT” is one of the best television shows to ever exist.
Right before the start of the NBA All-Star game, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal were quite blunt about their experiences in Salt Lake City, which hosted the NBA All-Star Weekend. In fact, they completely roasted the city, and it hilariously pissed off Utah lawmakers.
Now obviously Chuck and Shaq were just kidding around, but we know how people in politics are — they have to get triggered over literally every little thing.
“These people are going to heaven,” Barkley said. “Ain’t nothing to do in this boring a** city.”
In response, Shaq said, “I never ate so much room service in my life.”
“You can’t smoke, can’t drink, these people are going to heaven,” Barkley added.
Chuck on SLC: “These people going to heaven. Ain’t nothing to do in this boring-ass city.”
Shaq: “I never ate so much room service in my life.”pic.twitter.com/lFRE0aTyrq
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) February 20, 2023
Now insert a pissed off politician: State Sen. Nate Blouin, a Democrat who represents Salt Lake.
“Super disappointing take,” Blouin tweeted. “Do better @SHAQ and Charles! Bet y’all were just cooped up in the all star VIP areas and didn’t even get into the city, and are just perpetuating a reputation we’re working hard to change.”
Super disappointing take. Do better @SHAQ and Charles! Bet y’all were just cooped up in the all star VIP areas and didn’t even get into the city, and are just perpetuating a reputation we’re working hard to change. https://t.co/Hq4segw8hS
— Nate Blouin (@NateForUtah) February 20, 2023
Lots of folks making all the points you’d expect in response. We’re far from perfect and I’m not shy to call that out, but it’s ok to have a bit of pride in where you live sometimes. It’s healthy, in fact. I’m trying to make this place more hospitable and I hope you’ll help. https://t.co/aXkzhPyf7a
— Nate Blouin (@NateForUtah) February 20, 2023
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall also got triggered:
Oh, and @SHAQ, you and Charles clearly need a local to show you #SLC. Come back any time and I’d be happy to take you to any of the world famous restaurants, bars and outdoor spaces you must have missed while you were here.
— Mayor Erin Mendenhall (@slcmayor) February 20, 2023
This, ladies and gentlemen, is exactly why Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal are (bleeping) legends.
And let’s be honest here, they’re right. I’m sure Salt Lake City has its dope spots and swagged out views — I just recently praised how cool their airport is. But when it comes to NBA culture … it’s gotta be shit. (RELATED: Russell Westbrook Signing With Lakers’ In-Town Rival Los Angeles Clippers After Utah Jazz Buyout)
No disrespect to Salt Lake City or anything, I’d love to visit one day, but come on, it’s not Miami or Los Angeles.
