Bucks forward Bobby Portis was suspended for 25 games without pay on February 20, 2025. The NBA banned him after he tested positive for Tramadol, a painkiller not allowed in the league.
This became a hot topic on Inside the NBA about the NBA’s anti-drug policy, where Shaquille O’Neal shared his own wild story about drugs from the 1996 Olympics.
On a recent episode of ‘Inside the NBA,’ Shaquille O’Neal shared a surprising story from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He revealed that he was mistakenly flagged for cocaine use after eating a poppy seed muffin before his drug test.
Shaq explained, “I [ate them]. Horace Balmer come into the room, and he said, ‘Man, I’m disappointed.’ I had tested positive for cocaine.” Shaq was shocked, saying, ““I’ve never done nothing like that.”
Shaq story on the time he false positive tested for cocaine in the 96 Olympics pic.twitter.com/cm9n1d59LT
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 21, 2025
He added, “That’s the only problem I have with the NBA. They tell you not to take this, this, and that, but something that’s not on the list can be a derivative of something that you’re not supposed to take, and you could mess up that way.”
This incident shows how tricky drug testing can be and reminds us how important it is to investigate carefully to avoid unfair accusations.
Shaquille O’Neal and TNT agree to a $15m/year extension deal
Shaquille O’Neal has been a fan favorite on “Inside the NBA” since 2011, thanks to his mix of humor, insight, and basketball knowledge. He recently signed a new contract with TNT, worth over $15 million per year, securing his role on the show.
Shaquille O'Neal has agreed to a deal for a reported $15 million per year to remain on Inside the NBA, per @FOS.
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 14, 2025
The show will be licensed to ESPN from TNT starting next season. pic.twitter.com/JXQtcRaW7l
Despite TNT losing its NBA rights to Disney, NBC, and Amazon Prime next season, Shaq will stay on the popular show. Fans can rest easy knowing the beloved cast, including Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson Jr., and Kenny Smith, will remain.
