<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3b9cJz_0wDGHEWB00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3b9cJz_0wDGHEWB00" width="1200" height="630" ><figcaption>Cover Image Source: Shaquille O'Neal at Hershey's Times Square on September 25, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure><p>The debate about whether the Earth is flat or round has been ongoing for decades. Despite scientific explanations, there are still a majority of people who refuse to believe that our planet is round. The topic still remains controversial and sketchy, so much so that people often end up losing their jobs, crucial deals, or even relationships by picking a side. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, too, lost a whopping $20 million on a deal after making "the Earth is flat" comment, according to Afro Tech. In a podcast by Complex, the former professional basketball player recalled the incident and shared how the controversial remark cost him a huge deal. </p><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=46IgCM_0wDGHEWB00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=46IgCM_0wDGHEWB00" width="1200" height="884" ><figcaption>Image Source: Shaquille O'Neal speaks onstage in Los Angeles, California. March 30, 2015(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure><p>Back in 2017, the athlete decided to join the interesting discussion on whether the Earth is flat or a sphere. He later regretted it as it took away a ginormous amount which he had hoped would have made him richer in the present years, per Revolt. In this debate, he commented that the "Earth was flat" and things since spiraled downward for him. “This is a true story. I said the earth was flat one time, and I lost a f**king big deal on that,” he said. It was revealed that the athlete had made the statement in “The Big Shaq” podcast. He justified by saying that when he drives, he sees a straight and flat route all around him, with no angles or curves. </p><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=04tFi3_0wDGHEWB00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=04tFi3_0wDGHEWB00" width="1200" height="807" ><figcaption>Image Source: Shaquille O'Neal greets fans and signs copies of his book "Shaq Uncut" at Books and Books on December 5, 2011 in Coral Gables, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure><p>Though the athlete revealed in a conversation on Jimmy Kimmel Live later that he was joking, the harm was already done. When the host asked him whether his statement was a joke, O’Neal said, “Of course it was!” Explaining further, he added, “They got upset. My theory is, that I bought a bus, a couple of summers ago. So when I drive from Florida to California, it seems flat to me.” He also mentioned how the Earth appears flat from an airplane view. “So that was my theory. I'm just joking. Relax, I'm joking,” he clarified. However, at the time, despite his idea of it being a joke, it backfired. O’Neal mentioned that the "flat Earth" statement sparked outrage and prompted people to send him over 500,000 hate emails.</p><div style="position:relative;width:100%; height:0; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HLthq1IrTxo?si=-N7_WzjlKu8fL07Y" allowfullscreen frameborder="0" style="width:100%; height:100%;top:0; left:0; position:absolute"></iframe></div><p>The incident greatly affected his reputation and created a lot of controversy for the athlete himself. Due to this, he was forced to renege on a partnership that cost him a solid $20 million. “Big deal, like $20 million,” he exclaimed. While it was just an opinion, it didn't work too well for O'Neal. The situation has cooled down since 2017, and many have taken the aftereffects in a lighter mood. People have mostly forgotten the athlete's episode and now focus on his talent and skill. However, there are still others who are adamant that our planet is flat and so, continue the debate.</p><div style="position:relative;width:100%; height:0; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lBmvUUGw91g?si=UMDVuR-5tMw4-E4n" allowfullscreen frameborder="0" style="width:100%; height:100%;top:0; left:0; position:absolute"></iframe></div></div></body>

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Shaquille O'Neal reveals he once lost a huge $20 million deal - because he said 'the Earth was flat'

The debate about whether the Earth is flat or round has been ongoing for decades. Despite scientific explanations, there are still a majority of people who refuse to believe that our planet is round. The topic still remains controversial and sketchy, so much so that people often end up losing their jobs, crucial deals, or even relationships by picking a side. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, too, lost a whopping $20 million on a deal after making \"the Earth is flat\" comment, according to Afro Tech. In a podcast by Complex, the former professional basketball player recalled the incident and shared how the controversial remark cost him a huge deal.

The debate about whether the Earth is flat or round has been ongoing for decades. Despite scientific explanations, there are still a majority of people who refuse to believe that our planet is round. The topic still remains controversial and sketchy, so much so that people often end up losing their jobs, crucial deals, or even relationships by picking a side. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, too, lost a whopping $20 million on a deal after making "the Earth is flat" comment, according to Afro Tech. In a podcast by Complex, the former professional basketball player recalled the incident and shared how the controversial remark cost him a huge deal.