Shaq Punks Himself on ‘Double Take’

There is something about Shaquille O’Neal that makes him so charming on camera. What is it? What reduces this formidable 7’1″, 325 lb giant into such a huggable teddy bear? Well, whatever it is, it is in full effect in the first episode of Double Take, a new series from sports performance technology manufacturer Power Balance.

The series, produced by Converge, resembles a late-night talk show during which—thanks to special effects—celebrities candidly interview themselves. The first episode features a dorky Shaq in a bowtie and glasses who lobs bombs at an stonefaced Shaq styled in a suit and tie. Shaq pokes fun at himself about his nicknames, his movie career choices, and NBA titles. It’s a riot.

“I don’t really think being funny is something you can pick up one day,” Shaq told ESPN’s Page 2. “I was a class clown, I was a juvenile delinquent. Being funny was my whole business. I used to pull pranks, put pens in the teacher’s seat, shoot spit wads and put super glue on the teacher’s stapler so she can’t pick it up.”