Shaquille O'Neal falls on dunk attempt in DUNKMAN league debut

Retired NBA star Shaquille O'Neal, 54, participated in the inaugural season of the DUNKMAN league, a slam‑ dunk competition created with TNT Sports. During a pre‑show practice session, O'Neal attempted a two‑handed dunk but was stopped by the rim, causing him to tumble onto the court. The mishap was captured on video and quickly went viral, prompting jokes about his diminished leaping ability.

After the fall, O'Neal recovered and later completed a powerful dunk, hanging on the rim for several seconds. The event featured 24 competitors, including three‑time NBA All‑Star dunk contest winner Mac McClung, and a judging panel of former NBA stars such as Vince Carter and Dwight Howard. Organisers said the league aims to showcase young talent while also providing a platform for legends like O'Neal to demonstrate their enduring skill.