Shaquille O'Neal vs. Michael Phelps - in Baltimore
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A new ABC sports reality series starring NBA center Shaquille O'Neal will be filming a segment in Baltimore Sunday at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club. Called "Shaq Vs.," the show pits O'Neal against other top athletes. Sunday's taping will find the wide-bodied O'Neal competing against Baltimore's Olympic champ Michael Phelps in the pool.
Members of Meadowbrook, where the pool is housed, were told in an e-mail this week that they would be able to watch the competition -- with only the area where the ABC crew is filming closed off. In addition to Phelps, other competitors in the series will include tennis star Serena Williams, baseball slugger Albert Pujols and retired boxer Oscar De La Hoya.
The series is limited run with taping scheduled to be completed by Sept. 15 when O'Neal reports to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Lat night's episode pitted O'Neal against Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. No date has yet been set for the swimming segment with Phelps.
Shaq is not the first celebrity to take Phelps on in the pool. CNN anchorman Anderson Cooper went against Phelps as part of a "60 Minutes" profile Cooper did as a contributing correspondent for the CBS newsmagazine. We can only hope Shaq is a little more competitive than Cooper.
Comments
Sounds like either Shaq is the ultimate competitor or he has found the ultimate way to have fun this summer (or both)!
Either way, it really does sound as though he knows how to have fun!
Thanks,
Jane
Posted by: Jane Horsman | August 19, 2009 10:58 AM
On a fun note! If any of it involves the PIttsburgh Steelers my brother-in-law and my nephews will be there. I'll have to have them mark Aug. 25th a 9:00 p.m. on their calendars.
I agree with Jane sounds like he has created a way to have fun.
Posted by: Sherry T. | August 19, 2009 11:47 AM
i enjoyed the show last night with Ben Rothlesburger. Shaq is quite a character and it seemed he was having fun and admiring the true sportsmanship of Ben.
Posted by: scon | August 19, 2009 12:05 PM
You're a little late. I watch this last night Shaq vs Ben Roethlisberger. It is simular to Dahni Jones' program on the travel channel.
Hi, Yes. I fixed that Roethlisberger date. The ABC Web site had it next week, but clearly it aired Tuesday night. But this is Phelps Country, and that's the one we want. Thanks. Z
Posted by: James L. McEachern | August 19, 2009 12:20 PM
It was fine for CNN anchorman Anderson Cooper to interview Michael Phelps, but you had a problem with James Brown interviewing Michael Vick. Hmmm
Your words. "In my first post about the interview, I raised questions about the choice of Brown rather than one of the CBS News correspondents who are regulars on the show, such as Scott Pelley or Steve Kroft -- or Byron Pitts, who was named a contributing correspondent to the show this year. Brown is not a part of CBS News, which produces "60 Minutes."
Was that raised when Anderson Cooper interviewed Phelps?
As I have said several times before, Anderson Cooper is a contributing correspondent to "60 Minutes" just like Byron Pitts. That title is not easy to get. Cooper has it Brown does not. Brown had no connection to the show. Can Z
Posted by: Karman | August 19, 2009 3:30 PM
Actually Z, this is Raven's Country and anything relating to burying or showing up a Steeler is at least as important as Mr. Phelps. Unfortunately, Big Ben made a good showing last night, but your post is late.
Hi Phil, You are so right. Yes, the only thing more important than loving the Ravens is hating the Steelers -- and their quarterbaack is near the head of the list." Z
Posted by: Phil | August 19, 2009 3:31 PM
What time is this at? Can the public attend?
I am trying to get more details from ABC. Meadowbrook sent an email to its members saying they can watch the taping. ABC told me the press cannot watch the taping. I am trying to sort that out with ABC. No time yet confirmed by ABC. Z
Posted by: melvin | August 20, 2009 9:30 AM
They should just walk through the water - more competitive.
Posted by: Anonymous | August 20, 2009 8:52 PM
Michael Phelps must not like his own facility, because Loyola University (former College) has announced that the event will be taking place that their Fitness and Aquatic Center (FAC) on Sunday evening.
Tickets will be first available to current Loyola students. If any extra are available, the tickets will be extended to the greater Loyola community.
Thanks for the update. Z
Posted by: Anonymous | August 21, 2009 6:56 PM
What time is the event at FAC on sunday evening and where might one find a ticket for one's self??
Posted by: Rick Childs | August 22, 2009 2:52 PM
when is he facing Usain Bolt?
Posted by: rurunner | August 23, 2009 11:11 AM
...Shaq is sexy ...
Posted by: shaqsbabymomma | August 23, 2009 4:39 PM
Phelps is sexy too!. I used to be on the Piranha's swim team quite a long while ago. I'll swim against him.
Posted by: Sherry T. | August 23, 2009 6:02 PM
that definitely sounds entertaining. certainly better than another "of love" reality show. Although shaq has overlooked Michael Phelps' other professional talent. I would suggest a bong-ripping competition to immediately follow the swimming challenge...
that man has lungs of steel.
Posted by: john w | August 23, 2009 7:44 PM
It must be fun to watch..hope we can see it..please let us know if this is televised.
Posted by: Felfifer | August 24, 2009 12:08 AM
Shaq sure looks good in pink!
Posted by: Sue | September 15, 2009 10:09 PM
What do you think about Shaq starting his own swim wear line?...
Posted by: Eric Troyer | September 16, 2009 1:09 AM