“I was like should I call the cops?” - 2x NBA champion claims Shaquille O'Neal picked his son up from school without informing him, says he didn’t know Shaq at that point

Along with being one of the NBA's most dominant forces, Shaquille O'Neal is also known for his larger-than-life personality. His size might get him noticed at first, but the Hall of Fame center's personality can light up any room.

Since his retirement, O'Neal is best known for his work on TNT's "Inside the NBA." Alongside Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Ernie Johnson, they put together some of the most exciting coverage of the NBA.

After being on TV together for years now, it's clear O'Neal and the others share a close bond. However, that was not always the case. One of his TV counterparts recently brought up a troubling story from before their TNT days.

Shaq threatens to put his paws on Kenny Smith 😳

(Via @NBAonTNT)

https://t.co/rUamQSTCWO

The LA Lakers legend recently decided to have Smith on as a guest on "The Big" podcast. "The Jet" revealed an old story of when O'Neal took his son out without permission. At the time, their children were classmates in elementary school.

"I didn't know Shaq, I just played against him, I didn't really know him. I come to school to pick up my son and I'm like 'where's my son'. This is 2000 before like the whole kidnapping stuff. They go 'he went with Shaq.'"

"I finally get his number I'm like 'Shaq you got my son'. He's like 'yeah he wanted to come with me, I took him to get a haircut.' He takes my son he gives him a haircut like who does this? I was literally, I was like should I call the cops?"

Shaquille O'Neal and his generous nature almost proved to be costly

Once Shaquille O'Neal truly made it in the NBA, he always tried to use his platform to help others. He is constantly giving to charitable organizations, and instances like this show his caring nature.

Given that they weren't close at the time, Smith had every right to be frustrated with the former MVP. Even though it was done in good faith, Shaq could have done let Smith know his child was in good care. Had Smith felt the need to alert the authorities, what started as a good deed could have gone south quickly.

.@SHAQ last night on Ben Simmons:

“If he was in my locker room, I’d knock his ass out.”

Kenny Smith at the end:

“I know you would, I’ve heard the stories.”

💀🤣 https://t.co/TPLcwWHYZi

Seeing how close they are now, the two can properly laugh about the whole ordeal in hindsight.