Shaquille O’Neal’s Painful Reaction to Passing of Dear Friend and ‘Great Man’

The “Inside the NBA” crew is mourning right now. This is after they recently received some tragic news about the passing of one of the most prominent members of the show in what Charles Barkley has described as a death that was “so sudden.”

On Thursday night, the entire “Inside the NBA” family gathered in front of the camera in Studio J to pay their respects to stagehand Kevin Thomas, who passed away “the other” day at the age of 70.

Ernie Johnson started off the tribute for Thomas, who Johnson revealed had been with TNT for the past 30 years. The renowned broadcaster expressed how “our family is hurting” over the loss of one of their brothers.

Johnson recalled some of the most memorable “Inside the NBA” skits Thomas was involved in, which at one point, included filing down Shaquille O’Neal’s nails on live TV.

TNT broadcaster Shaquille O’Neal (left) and Charles Barkley talk during the 2013 NBA All-Star slam dunk contest at the Toyota Center.

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

For his part, O’Neal said that Thomas was “my guy” as the Hall of Fame big man spoke so fondly about someone who was close to his heart.

“Kevin was a great man,” O’Neal said. “Everybody behind him was great. This is my first job. And, you know, seeing these people for the last 12 years.

“… So, you know, when they told me the other day, I had to… I heard it, but I didn’t want to hear it. And I said, ‘Who?’ And they said, ‘Kevin.’ (O’Neal responded) ‘My Kevin?’ And it was.”

“So condolences go out to him and his family, but (he) will definitely be missed. We’re all hurting today, and I pray for his family.”

O’Neal and Co. did not provide the details on Thomas’ death, instead choosing to talk about the life he lived and the wonderful legacy he has left behind.

Despite not being in front of the camera on a daily basis, there’s no denying that Thomas played an integral role in the show and for the network for the past three decades.

Our condolences also go out to Thomas and all those he left behind.