It’s hard to think of Shaquille O’Neal in a swimming pool, let alone taking on the world’s fastest swimmer, Michael Phelps. But that’s just one of the challenges — in addition to a cannonball splash contest we hope — awaiting the Big Sportstradomus in his new TV show Shaq Vs.
The witty four-time NBA champion didn’t fare quite so well with Shaq’s Big Challenge, his first TV show which helped overweight kids shed pounds, but ABC decided to give the former MVP another shot, and they certainly reeled in the big names. In addition to swimming against Phelps, the Diesel is set to play football with Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, box with the golden boy Oscar De La Hoya and, in the episode I’ll surely TiVo, play beach volleyball with Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh. Other participating athletes include tennis sensation Serena Williams and St. Louis Cardinals hitter Albert Pujols.
It looks like the big guy has his work cut out for him.
In an interview with USA Today, the 37-year-old Cavaliers center said it was a great way to train during the off-season and that he thinks people would “really want to see an athlete play another sport.”
In the official press statement he added, “These athletes may be on top of their game, but I am up for the challenge. I plan to train hard and win, so look out.”
If only the show featured a rap battle between him and Nas.
To make things fair, Shaq will be given a handicap, which will be negotiated beforehand, and the show will also use the opportunity for some community work as the athletes spend some time with needy kids.
Shaq Vs. will premiere Aug. 18 on ABC at 9 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Stephen Shooter via Flickr.