NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal found himself at the center of swirling rumors after Instagram influencer Maria Ozuna Teachey shared a photo that ignited internet speculation about the identity of a mystery man draping his large hands over her shoulders. The 7-foot-1 NBA Hall of Famer, known for his towering presence both on and off the court, quickly became the prime suspect in the eyes of online sleuths.
With O’Neal’s height and physique closely matching the figure in Teachey’s post, internet detectives jumped to the conclusion that the former NBA champion, now 52, was the man in the picture. As speculation gained traction, O’Neal took it upon himself to address the situation directly. In response to a post on WorldStar’s Instagram page, O’Neal shut down the rumors with a simple yet firm comment: “Nope not the kid.”
O’Neal, who was married to Shaunie O’Neal from 2002 to 2011, didn’t stop there. He continued to poke fun at the situation by posting a playful Instagram reel, showcasing himself embracing various people in a similar manner to the pose seen in Teachey’s photo. This light-hearted approach was classic Shaq, as he has always enjoyed leaning into his public persona and addressing rumors with humor.
However, the drama didn’t end with Shaq’s denial. Teachey took to social media herself, seemingly determined to prove that the man in the photo was indeed O’Neal. In a post that has since caught the attention of social media, Teachey shared a message that fueled the ongoing speculation.
This back-and-forth added more fuel to the fire, keeping fans and media outlets buzzing about O’Neal’s personal life. Though Shaq has often found himself in the public eye for his off-court activities, this isn’t the first time the NBA icon has been linked to a social media influencer.
In June, O’Neal made headlines after an exchange with internet sensation Ariana Josephine, famously dubbed “Home Depot Girl.” Around the same time, he was spotted out for dinner with Brittany Renner in Beverly Hills, sparking even more rumors about his personal life. These interactions have made O’Neal a fixture in the social media spotlight, with fans continually curious about the former athlete’s relationships and public appearances.
While Shaq has remained lighthearted about the speculation, the ongoing saga between him and Teachey shows no signs of slowing down.
Whether O’Neal’s humorous denials are enough to quell the rumors remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the internet’s fascination with Shaq’s personal life is far from over.
