On a November 29 episode of Kevin Hart’s “Cold as Balls” YouTube show, Dwight Howard speculated that his longtime feud with Shaquille O’Neal stemmed from his use of the “Superman” nickname, one O’Neal used himself while playing in the NBA. “I never had an issue with Shaq … I think the confusion is he thought that I was trying to take his nickname, be like him and stuff like that,” Howard told Hart. However, as the former Lakers center elaborated, he adopted the moniker simply because he loved the Soulja Boy song “Crank Dat.” With the hit single’s risqué reference to Superman’s iconic pose, Howard explained, “I used to like to do the dance.”
O’Neal, who is so devoted to the comic book character he tattooed his logo on his arm, clearly didn’t interpret Howard’s intentions that way. When Hart suggested the two speak directly to clear things up, Howard responded, “I’ve never really had a conversation with Shaq … You’re right, I should.” This isn’t the only recent instance of Howard denying ill will on his part toward O’Neal. In an October interview on the “All the Smoke” podcast, Howard maintained that he never intended to intrude on his former NBA colleague’s domain. “I never wanted to be like Shaq,” he explained. The 36-year-old added complimentarily, “I enjoy watching him do what he do. I think he’s the most dominant player to ever play.”
