Shaq Offers Viral Pacers Couple Engagement Ring on 'Inside the NBA'

The couple's viral moment on the Pacers' TV broadcast led to a hilarious interview on the popular TNT show.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:29am

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An abstract close-up photograph of a diamond engagement ring reflecting dramatic studio lighting, capturing the glamour and anticipation of a surprise proposal.The viral Pacers couple's appearance on 'Inside the NBA' culminated in a surprise offer from Shaquille O'Neal to pay for an engagement ring, adding an extra layer of excitement to their newfound fame.San Antonio Today

During the final regular-season broadcast of 'Inside the NBA' on ESPN, the show's hosts interviewed the Indiana Pacers' couple whose viral moment earlier in the week had captured the internet's attention. When host Shaquille O'Neal learned the couple was not yet engaged, he offered to pay for the engagement ring if the boyfriend proposed on the spot, leading to a comedic back-and-forth between the couple and the TNT crew.

Why it matters

The viral moment featuring the Pacers' couple bickering on the team's TV broadcast had already made them minor celebrities, and their appearance on the popular 'Inside the NBA' show further elevated their profile and showcased the show's ability to capitalize on trending sports-adjacent stories.

The details

During the interview, Shaquille O'Neal insisted that he would pay for the engagement ring if the boyfriend, Michael, proposed to his girlfriend, Grace, on the spot. However, Michael tried to pivot and say he'd only do it if the TNT crew committed to attending the wedding, which they wouldn't agree to. The interview ended with Michael attempting a joke about San Antonio women in front of Charles Barkley, which went over Grace's head.

  • The viral moment featuring the Pacers' couple occurred earlier this week.
  • The 'Inside the NBA' interview took place on April 13, 2026, during the show's final regular-season broadcast on ESPN's platforms.

The players

Shaquille O'Neal

A former NBA player and current host of 'Inside the NBA' on TNT.

Michael

The boyfriend of Grace, the Pacers fan who went viral for mouthing 'What the f*** are you talking about' during a Pacers TV broadcast.

Grace

The Pacers fan who went viral for mouthing 'What the f*** are you talking about' during a Pacers TV broadcast, and the girlfriend of Michael.

Charles Barkley

A former NBA player and current host of 'Inside the NBA' on TNT.

Kenny Smith

A former NBA player and current host of 'Inside the NBA' on TNT.

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What they’re saying

“Upon hearing that Michael and Grace are not, in fact, married (yet), Shaq insisted that he would pay for the engagement ring if Michael proposed on the spot.”

— Shaquille O'Neal, Host, 'Inside the NBA'

“Michael tried to pivot and say he'd do it if the TNT crew committed to attending the wedding, which they wouldn't do.”

— Michael, Pacers Fan

What’s next

The couple's appearance on 'Inside the NBA' has further elevated their viral fame, and it remains to be seen if they will ultimately get engaged, with Shaq's offer still on the table.

The takeaway

The viral moment featuring the Pacers' couple and their subsequent appearance on the popular 'Inside the NBA' show demonstrates the power of social media to turn ordinary people into minor celebrities, and the ability of sports media to capitalize on these types of trending stories.