Candace Parker Reveals Why Her First Flight on Shaq’s Jet Will Definitely Be Her Last
Candace Parker has never been one to shy away from a challenge. On the basketball court, she faced down the best in the world, winning championships, MVPs, and Olympic golds. Off the court, she’s built a legacy as a broadcaster, executive, and advocate. But there’s one adventure she’s vowed never to repeat—flying on Shaquille O’Neal’s private jet.
The story, which has become a fan favorite, resurfaced during Parker’s appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” Guest host Anthony Anderson, knowing the dynamic between Parker and O’Neal on TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” couldn’t resist asking about the infamous flight. What followed was a hilarious, brutally honest retelling that left the audience in stitches—and offered a glimpse into life behind the scenes with two basketball legends.
A Perk Too Good to Pass Up
It all began in North Carolina. Parker, then new to the TNT team, was in town for work, wrapping up a long day of filming. Shaquille O’Neal, the four-time NBA champion and one of the most recognizable figures in sports, was also there. As the day wound down, Shaq made a generous offer.
“He was like, ‘I’m going to LA. Just hop on my PJ,’” Parker recounted, using the shorthand for “private jet.” For a moment, it seemed like a dream come true. The alternative was a crowded airport, long security lines, and the hassle of commercial travel. “OK, that beats getting in line at Delta,” she joked, her eyes lighting up with the memory. “I thought it would be a much better option than dealing with airport crowds and commercial flights.”
Little did she know, she was about to embark on a journey she would never forget.
DJ Diesel Takes Flight
Parker boarded the jet, expecting a quiet, comfortable ride. Instead, she found herself at the center of an airborne rave.
“This dude DJ’ed on full blast for four hours and 38 minutes,” she said, shaking her head as the audience roared with laughter. O’Neal, known to fans as DJ Diesel, didn’t just play music—he performed. The cabin was filled with pulsating electronic dance music, the kind you’d expect at a festival, not 40,000 feet in the air.
Shaq was in his element. He manned the decks, grinning ear to ear, oblivious to the fact that his passenger might have preferred a little peace and quiet. Parker, meanwhile, tried to make the best of it. She smiled, she nodded along, but inside, she was counting down the minutes.
As the hours dragged on, the relentless beat of EDM became almost comical. “It was like being trapped in a club with no exit,” Parker later joked to her colleagues. “There was nowhere to go!”
The Snore That Shook the Skies
Just when she thought it couldn’t get any louder, it did. As the jet began its descent into Los Angeles, Shaq finally wore himself out. He slumped back in his seat and promptly fell asleep.
But the reprieve was short-lived. “He proceeded, for the last 35 minutes, to fall asleep and snore louder than the music,” Parker recalled, her voice rising in mock exasperation. The snoring was so thunderous, so comically out of scale, that Parker could do nothing but laugh.
When the wheels touched down, Parker made herself a promise: “That was the first and the last time I would ever ride on his plane.”
The TNT Family
The story quickly became legend among Parker’s colleagues. O’Neal, who joined “Inside the NBA” in 2011 after his Hall of Fame playing career, was already known for his larger-than-life personality and love of pranks. Parker, who first appeared on TNT as a commentator in 2018, soon found herself drawn into the show’s unique family dynamic.
“Inside the NBA” is famous for its chemistry. Ernie Johnson anchors the desk with calm authority, while Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley trade jokes and insights. Shaq, the newest addition, brought a new level of energy—and unpredictability. Parker, a trailblazer in her own right, fit right in.
Her rise was rapid. After impressing on “Players Only,” she became a full-time analyst on “NBA on TNT.” Her insights, wit, and willingness to go toe-to-toe with her colleagues made her a fan favorite. But even as she established herself, she never forgot her initiation by fire—or rather, by EDM.
Life Off the Court
For Parker, the flight was more than just a funny story. It was a reminder of the unexpected twists that come with life in the spotlight. She’d spent her career navigating high-pressure situations, but nothing had quite prepared her for four hours and thirty-eight minutes of Shaq’s DJ set at 40,000 feet.
Despite the chaos, Parker looks back on the experience with affection. “Shaq is one of a kind,” she said in a later interview. “He’s got the biggest heart, and he always wants everyone to have a good time—even if his idea of fun is a little…louder than most.”
Their friendship, forged in the fires of live television and late-night flights, is built on mutual respect and a shared sense of humor. O’Neal has often praised Parker for her achievements on and off the court, calling her “inspiring” and “a role model.” Parker, in turn, appreciates Shaq’s generosity, loyalty, and ability to make every moment memorable—even if it means a little lost sleep along the way.
Lessons Learned
These days, Parker has her pick of travel options. As the president of Adidas Women’s Basketball and a sought-after broadcaster, she crisscrosses the country for work and family. But if Shaq ever offers her a seat on his private jet again, she’ll politely decline.
“My flying future will definitely involve less EDM and more peace,” she laughed on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” “I’ll take my chances with Delta.”
As for Shaq? He’s probably still spinning tracks somewhere, headphones on, smile wide, and not a care in the world. The next passenger on his jet might want to bring earplugs—and get ready for a story of their own.
The Enduring Bond
In the end, Parker’s story is more than just a tale of travel gone wrong. It’s a window into the camaraderie, chaos, and joy that define life in the NBA family. It’s about rolling with the punches, finding humor in the unexpected, and cherishing the friendships that make the journey worthwhile.
And if you ever find yourself invited onto Shaquille O’Neal’s jet, remember Candace Parker’s advice: expect the unexpected, and maybe pack some noise-cancelling headphones—just in case.