Tue Sep 10 15:07:00 UTC 2024: ## Former NBA Star DeMarcus Cousins Recalls Nearly Breaking His Back Against Shaq
**Charleston, SC** – DeMarcus Cousins, better known as “Boogie,” recently recounted a harrowing tale on the “Club 520” podcast about a run-in with Shaquille O’Neal during Shaq’s final season with the Boston Celtics. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Cousins revealed that Shaq’s power was still undeniable, nearly causing him serious injury.
“Shaq was in his last season with the Celtics, and he was like 450 out there, bro. He wasn’t even moving,” Cousins told former All-Star guard Jeff Teague. “I went to go for a rebound, jumped backward, and it felt like I ran into a wall. My whole back cracked, like, damn. Shaq almost broke my motherf*****g back.”
The incident left Cousins contemplating his career choice, realizing the sheer force Shaq still possessed, even at an advanced age.
“I just laid on the floor, contemplating like, ‘Do I really want to do this sh**?’” DeMarcus recalled.
Despite the near-injury, Cousins went on to have a successful NBA career, becoming a four-time All-Star and a two-time member of the All-NBA team. However, his career was cut short by injuries.
The story serves as a reminder of the immense power Shaq possessed, even in his later years. It also highlights the daunting challenges young players faced when going up against the legendary center.
First Piper 