Shaquille O’Neal has always been a magnet for attention, whether he’s dominating on the basketball court or making business moves off it. His popular restaurant chain, “Big Chicken,” is no different, drawing fans and food lovers alike. Last week, O’Neal planned a surprise appearance at one of his Big Chicken locations in Hartland, Michigan, and as expected, word spread quickly, bringing a large crowd to the restaurant.
The visit wasn’t publicly announced as an official meet-and-greet, so the restaurant didn’t anticipate the need for extra security. As the excitement grew outside the restaurant, tensions began to rise. What started as a gathering of excited fans soon escalated into chaos when a small group of patrons became unruly near the entrance.
A disturbance broke out, leading to several individuals being detained by police. Among those involved were two women and a man, all of whom were later arraigned on multiple felony charges following the incident.
According to reports, the man attempted to punch an officer, and one of the women tried to steal the officer’s Taser as he attempted to subdue the aggressor. The second woman then joined the fray, attacking the officer before being pulled away by others.
RELATED: Angel Reese Shocked After Losing $100k Bet to Shaq
Fortunately, the situation was quickly brought under control, and the three individuals were arrested. Once the scene calmed, peaceful patrons were allowed to enter the restaurant, and O’Neal, unharmed and unshaken by the disturbance, went on to meet and greet many of his fans, making the event a success after the initial commotion.
The incident, while unfortunate, didn’t overshadow O’Neal’s booming success as a businessman. His “Big Chicken” restaurant chain, which was founded in 2018 with its first location in Las Vegas, has since grown to over 40 locations across 16 states and can even be found on Carnival cruises.
The restaurant is just one example of O’Neal’s impressive post-basketball career, which has seen him become a prolific entrepreneur and spokesperson for various brands.
His portfolio includes stakes in major companies like Five Guys, Papa John’s, and Krispy Kreme, further showcasing his business acumen.
In addition to his restaurant ventures, O’Neal remains one of the most popular figures in basketball media, known for his role as an analyst on TNT’s Inside the NBA.
However, with Turner’s NBA broadcast rights expiring at the end of the upcoming season, O’Neal could soon be on the lookout for a new broadcasting gig. As one of the top personalities in the industry, he is sure to receive lucrative offers from multiple networks.
Whether it’s expanding his Big Chicken empire or signing his next broadcasting contract, Shaquille O’Neal continues to prove that his post-NBA career is just as successful—and as eventful—as his days on the court.