Bill Belichick not making the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility has dominated the football world. News of the snub has also moved into the world of professional basketball.
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How did this happen? Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley made the connection while talking about LeBron James's legacy in the NBA.
"LeBron's a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and we're just going to enjoy him," Shaq said. Barkley responded by saying, "Maybe. You never know. Might get Belichick'd. That's a new word we made up today. Might get Belichick'd."
Shaq: "LeBron’s a First ballot Hall of Famer"
Chuck: "You never know. He might get Belichick'd"
😭😭😭
pic.twitter.com/clwitFWWBg— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) January 29, 2026
Shaq and Barkley are far from the only people who have weighed in about the eight-time Super Bowl champion being reportedly snubbed by Hall of Fame voters. Many have voiced their frustrations about the situation, even those who don't even remotely like the Patriots.
"I am the biggest (Miami Dolphins) fan in the world," performing artist Darius Rucker wrote on X. "I am not a lover of the Patriots.
"But the fact that Bill Belicheck is not a first ballot NFL Hall of Famer makes me lose respect for the voters. That's friggin crazy!!"
Rucker joined the chorus that also involved Hall of Fame coach Jimmy Johnson, former NFL quarterback Tom Brady, and countless others.
This conversation took place during Wednesday night's battle between the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers, the team with which James spent several years and won one of his NBA titles.
The Cavaliers knew it might be the final time James visits Rocket Arena, so the team played a tribute video to the Ohio native.
The NBA players-turned-analysts did not simply stop by talking about James potentially getting "Belichick'd" in his first year of Hall of Fame eligibility. Barkley went a step further and made an offer.
"LeBron I'm speaking for the whole ESPN family: If you get screwed and don't get in the Hall of Fame on the first vote you can come to ESPN and work with us. I will hire you personally," Barkley said.
