It seems Shaquille O’Neal has no problem playing both sides of the political court, sweating it out to promote Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign one day and now endorsing New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s reelection bid.
In an ad released Sunday by the Republican candidate’s gubernatorial campaign, the retired NBA superstar and Garden State native declares, “I don’t endorse many politicians. But Chris Christie is different.”
{mosads}In the 30-second spot, the 41-year-old basketball behemoth says, “He’s working with me to bring jobs back to our cities and on a new program to help kids in tough neighborhoods get ahead.”
Wearing a Mr. Rogers-esque blue sweater and tie, O’Neal continues, “Governor Christie’s provided more funding for schools, given parents more choices in what schools their kids can go to, and merit pay for good teachers.”
It’s not the first time a political figure has scored support from O’Neal. The former Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat player helped push the first lady’s childhood health and fitness campaign in an event last month.
In a 2011 interview with CNN, he stated he thought President Obama was doing a “fabulous job,” reportedly saying, “The world is in a little bit of turmoil right now — the economy’s down — but … he’s going to pick it back up and I think he’s going to win this next election.”
O’Neal says in the video of Christie, who faces state Sen. Barbara Buono (D) in the Nov. 5 election, “He’s a good man — excuse me — he’s a great man. Please join me in supporting Chris Christie — the governor.”