Shaquille O’Neal finally served in FTX lawsuit while covering Celtics-Heat in Miami
Shaquille O’Neal Finally Served Lawsuit Papers During Celtics-Heat Game in Miami
In a dramatic turn of events, former NBA star and TNT analyst Shaquille O’Neal was served with legal documents on Tuesday night, ending a months-long chase by lawyers representing FTX investors. O’Neal, who had been evading the legal team, was handed a complaint that is part of a proposed class-action lawsuit against the defunct cryptocurrency company.
The unexpected moment occurred while O’Neal was fulfilling his broadcasting duties for TNT during the Eastern Conference finals game between the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics at the Kaseya Center, formerly known as FTX Arena. The entire incident was captured on camera by the process server, ensuring no ambiguity in the legal proceedings, as O’Neal had previously disputed his involvement in the FTX case.
Confirming the development, Adam Moskowitz, an attorney representing the FTX investors, stated that O’Neal had the process server removed from the arena. Moskowitz emphasized the seriousness of the claims against O’Neal and expressed relief that they can now focus on addressing the merits of the case instead of the distractions caused by O’Neal’s attempts to avoid being served.
Despite O’Neal’s wide presence through endorsements, TV commercials, and his regular appearances on TNT, serving him had proven challenging. Attempts were made at his residence, TNT studios, and even his ex-wife’s home, all without success. According to the Wall Street Journal, the papers were even thrown at his moving SUV at one point, but to no avail. O’Neal has denied these allegations, attributing the incidents to passing encounters with unknown individuals near his home.
O’Neal is among several celebrities and athletes implicated in the class-action lawsuit filed by FTX investors following the company’s collapse. FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was arrested earlier this year on charges including wire fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering. O’Neal, along with prominent figures such as Tom Brady, Gisele Bündchen, Larry David, Naomi Osaka, and Stephen Curry, had endorsed FTX in promotional campaigns.
While O’Neal managed to evade service for a considerable period, his luck finally ran out. Regardless of his culpability, the lawsuit can now proceed, bringing the legal matter to its next stage.
