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Retired NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal had a good 2022, and he plans to end it in a uniquely fun way: partying in virtual reality (VR) with friends and fans on New Year’s Eve.
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In an interview with ET’s Nischelle Turner, O’Neal discussed his 40-pound loss, his plans to lose at least 20 more, and his upcoming special.
Shaq said the blood work results prompted his decision to lose weight. He found the tests alarming enough to prompt adoption of a “clean” diet—an eating plan that emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods to support overall health and possibly promote weight loss. As a result, he lost 40 kilograms.
“I’ve got about 20 more to lose,” he told Turner, “but impressive.” O’Neal went on to say that he’s going to “carve and do an inside commercial with my guys.” The three-time NBA Finals MVP said he plans to reach his ultimate goal by the time he turns 51 on March 6, 2023.
As for his plans for New Year’s Eve, O’Neal is waiting Shaq’tacular Spectacular: A New Year’s Eve VR Concert Experience. Meta is advertising Shaq’tacular as an “epic NYE party, hosted by Shaquille O’Neal (aka DJ DIESEL), “featuring Shaq hosting a DJ set” as well as epic performances from Cardi B, Ludacris, Lil Yachty, Killer Mike and WHIPPED CREAM! The show will also feature special guest appearances by Rob Gronkowski and Camille Kostek.”
In his appearance on ET, O’Neal, a prolific investor with stakes in up to 50 brands across multiple industries, detailed why he was into the idea of ​​celebrating the New Year in VR. Turns out he’s a virtual reality enthusiast:
“Those VR goggles you buy at Best Buy — I put the stuff on one day at 12 o’clock and when I took it off, it was 3 in the morning,” O’Neal recalled. “I was playing shooting games and all these games. I had one with a roller coaster. I’m in my room and I’m like a little kid, ’cause you know my big a** can fit on a roller coaster, so I rode that roller coaster about 100 times.”
Shaq reassured anyone who might be afraid of missing out on the fun. “Don’t worry if you can’t watch it when the party starts,” he said, “as the show will be open all evening, where you can join in at any time.”
Shaq’tacular Spectacularwill be available to fans on Meta Quest, Facebook, Instagram and via Messenger’s Look together show begins December 31st at 6:30pm EST.
