Shaquille O'Neal's show premieres tonight on ABC & features him challenging top athletes in different sports to their sport. Shaq Vs sounds like fun to me, but I'm not sure if this counts as a sports show or competitive reality.

Mostly, I want to see Shaq in the pool vs Michael Phelps, especially if they have to find a speedo to fit him.

I think this show is pretty entertaining. As long as you can get past Shaq's monotone, it was fun watching him and Rothlisberger trash talk. I kind of wish they showed Rothlisberger getting Shaq's NBA ring and gloating with it.

I agree, I think Shaq swimming against Phelps will be the most exciting match-up for me - but Phelps will probably be the most awkward competitor in terms of witty banter.

I thought I read he would be challenging Serena Williams to tennis (he'd have to win a game off her in the course of a set). But next week's preview shows beach volleyball & Shaq getting advice on the tennis court from Serena.

I liked the show last night. Shaq has a pretty decent arm. I was amazed when he threw the football and he managed to hit the crossbar. Awesome.

I'm also looking forward to watching Shaq swim. I wonder if they'll try to get him into one of those LZR suits.

I was skeptical, but this is probably one of my new favorite shows for its unintentional hilarity. I could watch the part where Shaq chest-bumps his teammate all day long. Hilarious! I wonder how much of it is staged, though - I want to believe that Shaq's off-the-sidelines interception was something that just spontaneously happened, but it was soooo perfect that I have my doubts.

It is kind of amazing to see Shaq & realize he's 325 pounds (not 350 like that coach said) & doesn't appear to have any fat on him. I couldn't get a good sense of scale when he was with all those football guys though. I know the footballers would tower over normal sized people & he made them look small, but I'm looking forward to seeing him on the beach volleyball court. Too bad men in that sport don't wear skimpy outfits like the women. I don't think he even has to leave the ground to spike, so once he gets the fundamentals down, he should be a danger from anywhere on the court.

What's more amazing is that Ben is 6'5" and Shaq looked a foot taller. It was a cheesy show, but the trash talking was good. And who didn't like it when Ben beat him in HORSE?

It's a pretty ridiculous show, but kind of fun in a stupid sort of way.

At first I thought Shaq's teammates were kids; then I remembered, no, he's just seven feet tall.

That coach is right. Shaq might be listed at 325, but he hasn't been 325 for years. Also, he's got some fat on him. He's not Dwight Howard (who looks like freaking Superman). Don't get me wrong - Shaq's still a beast. But he hasn't been within a toddler of 325 for a while.

Shaq blocking in beach volleyball should be easy for him (just imagine Phil Dalhausser, but 4 inches taller). It's learning to pass that'll be the pain in the . . . er . . . neck.

So apparently this was supposed to be Steve Vs.

Oooh, that's pretty scandalous and really shady. But I gotta say, the whole reason the show is interesting to me is because we see Shaq the Giant moving his freakishly large body in ways that we're not used to seeing. I don't think this concept would work as well with anyone else......except maybe Jordan, just because I love him :).

ITA. Given that Shaq is such an outsize personality - literally and otherwise - he's gonna generate way more interest and viewership than the comparatively bland, regular guy-ish Nash.

Also, I agree w/what Bill Plaschke said on ATH yesterday: in Hollywood, everyone has ideas. It's all about who can sell those ideas and get 'em into production first. Shaq did, Nash (apparently) didn't.

Would anyone in this country care about seeing Nash do this? Come to think of it, would anyone in Canada care?

The idea is good because it's Shaq. He's a larger-than-life figure. The Serena one just sounds awesome, considering the way the tall guys in tennis already seem overwhelming on the court - and they'd still be at least a hundred pounds less.

I don't hate Nash or dislike the guy, but I have to agree that there's no way the show would have lasted more than 2-3 episodes. By getting Shaq, a former world champion with a rather awesome personality, this show, as mentioned, gives it a chance as a new program, as opposed to yet another failed attempt for a crap-ass reality show.

Really Steve Nash? Ha! Watching him swim and lose against Phelps would completely lack the humorous aspect of someone twice his size in the form of Shaq. "Nash got crushed by Phelps. Whatever." "Shaq got crushed by Phelps. Ha! What was he thinking? Even Sapp would've put some effort toward the upset. Still, great for TV."

So far, so good. However, that's likely due to the contest between him and Big Ben. Outside the actual competition, I can't really see anyone else try to top Ben in terms of the trash talking. Maybe Serena, but that's about it.

I don't think it would have even been made. Maybe it winds up on Spike, but it certainly isn't a network show. In the end, whatever agreement they came to was a win-win for both players.

If you missed the "Shaq vs Big Ben" episode - it will be replayed at 8:00 pm ET on Tuesday
right before the new episode "Shaq vs Misty May/Kerri Walsh" is shown at 9:00 pm ET.

Here's the complete list of athletes Shaq will be challenging during the first season (from multiple sources):

1. Ben Roethlisberger (football)
2. Misty & Kerri (beach volleyball)
3. Albert Pujols (baseball)
4. Oscar de la Hoya (boxing)
5. Michael Phelps (swimming)
6. tba

Shaq asked David Beckham to compete, but he turned him down. He's trying to get Lance Armstrong for the sixth challenge, but if he doesn't get him, there will only be five episodes. I'm not sure what the chances of a second season are, but Shaq said in an interview that if he retires from the NBA in 2010, he will be able to attempt more dangerous sports (race car driving, etc.) that are prohibited in his NBA contract.

I noticed that neither Shaq nor BR were wearing helmets during the football challenge even though contact was allowed. I wonder if the producers told the players off camera that they were not allowed to make contact w. Shaq or BR.

They weren't wearing padding either and the rest of the players were.

It was "two hand touch" for the receivers, but there was no pass rush on either Shaq or Ben, so no need for padding/helmets.

As far as tonight's went, it was about as I expected. Shaq had a world-class partner in Todd Rogers, but he did exactly what every single basketball player who's never played volleyball does. His block timing was off (way late), he couldn't pass consistently (though he did better than I expected), he had no mobility for defense, he couldn't swing because he had no timing there either, he kept cheap-shotting, he never used all three hits like he should, and Kerri Walsh tooled his ass all day long. Also, she housed her husband, which was pretty cool.

So did Kerri Walsh get pregnant the day after the Olympics ended? I remember the Olympics started 8/8/08 & she had a baby 2 1/2 months before this episode was taped. I didn't even realize she was pregnant, although she mentioned wanting to be in every interview I heard during the Olympics last year. At any rate, that woman is genetically blessed. Being in a bikini on national TV less than 3 months after having a baby & looking that good? It's really not fair.

And speaking of not fair, that speedo was not 3 sizes too small for Shaq. It was all baggy in the back. And he was wearing a shirt, which I don't think ws part of the deal.

I loved getting a glimpse of Serena's house, and the way Shaq skipped out the door after beating her in air hockey.

Seriously. She looked fantastic. Bitch.

I really enjoyed tonight's episode, as I adore Misty and Kerri. I was also glad to see Misty back from her terrible Achilles' tendon injury. She looked good out there.

Word. I wanted to barf when she said she had a baby only 2 months ago. WTF?!



That was one of the best parts :). And when he first came in the door and Serena said Misty and Kerri were really good, Shaq grimaces and says "They're not that great."

Shaq's face for the camera when he said something about messing up the girls' nails was priceless. Basically, love the immature shit talking from the giant.

I tuned in last night to catch both episodes (primarily to see Kerri and Misty, whom I love) and I think I adore this show. It's cheesy and over the top and melodramatic and totally hilarious. Shaq cracks me up. The trash talking is hilarious. I was really impressed with his football play, and slightly less with his beach volleyball skills, mainly because he could just swat the volleyball back over the net with one hand rather than playing actual volleyball, but whatever. I'll definitely watch the show while it's on because it's great summer fun, and I want to see Shaq take on Phelps. Maybe Shaq can wear the pink speedo?

I'm so jealous Kerri is basically back in shape 2 months after having a baby. Lucky! But it was really great to see her and Misty back on the court together-- I hope this means a run the gold in 2012 is a possibility!

So his contract forbids him from race car driving, but he can box against De La Hoya? I'm sure they'll be wearing headgear, and perhaps De La Hoya won't even be able to reach Shaq's head, but it does seem a bit more dangerous than the other sports he's engaging in.

If there is a second season, I would love to see him go 18 holes vs. Tiger Woods. Does Shaq play golf recreationally?

18 holes may be a bit long, but I'd watch 9 holes. I know I've seen Shaq in golf clothes, so I'm guessing he plays.

I was impressed they showed every point of the volleyball. I wonder if it had gone to three games if they would have only showed highlights. When they showed the entire first game & I saw how much time was left, I knew Misty & Kerri would win in two. The same thing happens when they show tennis matches on delay.

I actually liked that he tried to play the game "correctly." Dude was even setting for Rogers...even though he lifted almost every time. And he was in the net a couple times, too. I'm assuming they weren't calling those things because it wasn't really a "serious" match? Anyway, I appreciated his effort and thought that for a big guy who didn't play volleyball, he was actually kind of decent.

I tuned into this because there was nothing else on that night and I love Misty and Kerri, but I found myself enjoying it. It was cheesy, but entertaining. [small voice]And I've always kind of liked Shaq and thought he was funny.[/small voice]

No small voice necessary for me--I've always thought Shaq was funny. He must have the strangest life imaginable, and handles it with what looks to be good cheer.

I found it interesting that his height was somewhat of a disadvantage in volleyball. If he raises his arms, his hands are way above the net but the ball usually doesn't go that high. Basically, someone his height is blocking the top of the net with his face, and that can't be any fun. I guess he could have kept his hands right above head level, but that sort of flailing would look pretty weird. Almost girly, which in retrospect would have been priceless.

Too bad auto racing was deemed too dangerous for this year; I'd pay good money to watch him squeeze into an Indy car.

Height is absolutely not a disadvantage in volleyball (not even at Shaq's height). Shaq just didn't know how to use his height (either in terms of blocking technique or of mobility/explosiveness). For blocking, specifically, you do not put your hands straight up on your side of the net if you're his height. You penetrate and block the ball on the other side of the net, forcing the setter to set the ball further away and limiting the hitter's angles. However, you need to (a) know how to penetrate without touching the net and (b) time it right so that you don't hit the ball before the hitter.

There's a photo of Karch Kiraly somewhere, blocking on a men's standard net indoors. At full jump, Karch's armpits were at the level of the top of the net. His arms were roughly parallel with the ground, about two feet on the other side. That's an effective block (and would help prevent what Kerri and Misty did, which was to tool Shaq or hit around him). By penetrating on the block, toolage lands on the hitter's side (unless it's hit so hard it lands out, which is why your hands aren't in a flat plane either), and it's harder to hit around you.

I would love to see him tackle tennis. I think a few of the professional tennis players (the Williams Sisters, Federer, Clijsters, the Bryan Brothers, Rafa Nadal or Roddick) would be game. Jankovic would also eat something like this up.

I'm curious what the rules will be for boxing. Maybe no head/face blows will be allowed.

They would probably have to use modified cars or even pick-up trucks. There was a commercial a long time ago where Ralph Sampson (who is taller than Shaq) demonstrated how much leg room some compact car (VW Bug?) had, but I'm sure that the car was modified so he could get in/out easily.

Shaq vs Kobayashi in competitve eating?

I loved the stuff with the Little Leaguers, the interactions with the Down's Syndrome kids & Pujols Jr. The rest - meh. Maybe the show should be Shaq hanging out with kids. I guess homerun derbys bore me.

This baseball episode was the most boring to me. The interaction with Pujols just wasn't as fun as it was with all the other sports figures we've seen. Baseball is my least favorite sport to watch, and I guess even Shaq can't make that game interesting to me.

Hopefully boxing will be more exciting. I wonder if Shaq might actually win in boxing - will Oscar de la Hoya be able to reach Shaq? I'd like to see Shaq win at least one of these things - even with a handicap.

You know what might be cool. Shaq vs Brock Lesner in an amateur wrestling match. The trash talking alone would be epic.

Speaking as a bit of a baseball freak, I just wish they'd gotten some baseball basics right on the show. It's "Gold Gloves," not "Golden," and "home runs" is two words. Not a huge deal, I suppose, but irksome.

Not the clearest picture, but Shaq in a Speedo brief. Pretty much the reason I'm going to watch the Phelps episode. It's just too funny.

Wow, look at this one. They got him into one of those Razor-type suits. It must have taken a team & I hope they were running tape.

Look at his haircut. That has to have been the result of some sort of bet in-episode. Phelps isn't very charismatic on camera, but I hope this episode is fun nonetheless.

Oh man, is Shaq ever going to win one of these things?! I thought boxing would have been his best chance. It was definitely the funniest visual mismatch with Oscar's small size.

In the previews for next week's Phelps match-up, ABC refers to it as the finale. Does that mean the season was cut short? :(

abowl, Shaq does win one of the races against Phelps. I think Shaq has to swim 25 yds/meters while Phelps swims 50. Which...I don't know how I feel about that. I realize they need to even things up with a handicap, but I kinda think if you're going to race the greatest Olympic swimmer ever, you should do it in an Olympic-size swimming pool, not a short-course pool.

I think they only taped five shows to begin with, and it fit perfectly between summer series and the start of fall primetime tv. I don't know what the ratings are, but if it did well, we'll probably see it again next summer.

misere, I gotta agree with you and I'm not really sure what to think. Even as a handicap, seems like kind of a hollow victory, but I guess racing flat out against Phelps at the same the distance Shaq would lose no question so they had to do something to even the playing field. I think I might have gone with a time handicap cap (like, a 5 sec head start) as opposed to a distance one.

I loved Shaq's fancy footwork & when he was punching himself. Did those punches count towards his total?

I suspect in a 50 meter pool Phelps could make up a five second head start on his dive. I understand why there's a Shaq/Phelps match up but with swimming being such a different beast from everything else I don't think, had I been Shaq, I'd have signed up for this.

Preview clips for the Shaq Vs. Phelps episode:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoodFK6g_3g In MP's apartment, delivering the "challenge".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iuwbhf8L9yc In the locker room pre-race.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2rgbc3mlmg Shaq getting some pointers from coach Bob Bowman.

I have always found Shaq to be... abnormal looking. He's just so big. But, I am loving this show! LOVE, especially the beach volleyball, those women were serious! Love them. + Oscar dlH is fine. Can't wait for the Phelps epi, the visuals alone promise to be hysterical.

Maybe it's because I'm not a boxing fan, but I was only half tuned in to the episode. But I enjoyed Oscar de la Hoya. Also, maybe because I'm so naive about boxing, but whew... shady! No score? I can believe that de la Hoya probably landed the most clean punches, but it would have been interesting to see just how well Shaq did. Oh well.

I'm definitely looking forward to the upcoming episode with Phelps!

Man, how did I miss this show? That was awesome! I wonder if Michael Phelps has ever felt short before that photoshoot?

I think if they had dove in for the first race Michael would have won. He did an awesome job on the "relay" and a great job with the final race.

I want to see Shaq figure skate. There would be fantastic humor in putting him against an under 5'0" girl, but the current Men's world champion is an American, so he could skate against him. Not sure what kind of challenge you could do though, since it's not a sport most people have some knowledge of how to do.

Shaq's times were actually pretty good for a civilian, but Michael was kind of sandbagging it to keep it close as it was. 23 seconds is what he'd go for 50 meters long course (about 10% longer than tonight's race and with no turns to generate extra speed) and even from a push, I'd be shocked if he couldn't go 21 high short course yards if he wanted to.

And his turns on the medley were decidedly unPhelps-like. He barely kicked off the wall at all, and turns are usually where he generates a huge amount of speed and power.

Still 38 seconds isn't a bad time for a 50 free from a push for a guy with no competitive swim background, and I was surprised that Shaq was as quick as he was.

Is it possible that he was actually more injured than he let on? Haven't seen the show yet. Hulu for me.

Hilarious as always!

As a girl myself, I have to wonder if using three female Olympic swimmers was a handicap for Michael's advantage-- obviously, he's a great swimmer (and so are the ladies, no doubt about it) but he's not in top shape right now and he's theoretically stopped training for the IM races, so maybe they needed to make it a little more even, especially considering Michael had to swim all four legs like an IM and the girls/Shaq were doing a relay and got to dive in, where Phelps didn't get that advantage. Also, according to his times from Beijing, it takes longer to swim the 400IM than the medley relay. But it was awesome to see some other Olympic swimmers again. However, even with the whole sex difference issue and dives/no dives, he definitely had an uphill fight.

But I agree that the swims didn't seem very Phelps-like-- I don't know if that was just the way the races were planned out or just because it's for tv and not a "real" race, but I totally agree, the turns seemed pretty lazy and he didn't seem to be swimming with his usual power (well, until he overcame Shaq in final 25m in the relay).

Shaq's a great sport, though, putting on the swim cap and posing with it. I'm actually surprised that he did so well, and good for him at least winning one race.