Shaquille O’Neal should add another nickname to his resume – the Big Tipper.
In an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live to celebrate Friday’s statue unveiling at Staples Center, O’Neal discussed how he conducts himself with the staff at whatever restaurant he eats at.
O’Neal: When I’m at restaurants, I like to show people my appreciation. So when they come up to the table, I say, the quicker I get my order the bigger your tip will be. When we’re getting ready to leave I’ll ask them what do you want.
Kimmel: You’ll ask the waiter how much do you want?
O’Neal: And the most someone said was $4,000. And I said okay no problem.
Kimmel: You gave them $4,000?
O’Neal: $4,000
Kimmel: You should’ve punched them in the head is what you should’ve done.
O’Neal: It was a young lady. She was like ‘oh my God, you just paid my rent for 2 months.’
Kimmel: What a strange figure, $4,000 to come up with
O’Neal: She said it.
Kimmel: You really shouldn’t have said this because you’re gonna now, you can’t ever go out to dinner again. You’re going to have to get back in the league.
O’Neal: I know right.
Kimmel: What about a valet if somebody parks your car how much do they get?
O’Neal: About $300
Kimmel: $300!
Kimmel: And if you don’t have cash how do you give them that $300?
O’Neal: I won’t stop. I won’t stop, I’ll just keep driving.
I just want to say for the record that if Shaq is giving away $4,000, I don’t mind being a receiver of this blessing. If you know Shaq, tell him to call me.