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Shaquille O'Neal Offers to Buy Engagement Ring for Viral Pacers Couple — with One Condition

Shaquille O'Neal offered to buy an engagement ring if Michael proposed on air, turning the viral Pacers couple's TV cameo into a marriage pitch.

  • Indiana Pacers fans Grace and Michael appeared on ESPN's "Inside the NBA" after their game-time conversation went viral. Shaquille offered to buy them an engagement ring if Michael proposed on the spot.
  • They became known as the "viral Pacers couple" after a video showed Michael talking intensely while Grace appeared zoned out at an Indiana Pacers game. The moment spawned widespread memes.
  • Michael explained they were discussing liberal arts education, while Grace interjected with an NSFW phrase. Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith sided with Grace, noting she "didn't come there for no intellectual stuff."
  • When asked about the proposal, Michael countered by asking if the "Inside the NBA" crew would attend the wedding, and clarified that Grace is his girlfriend, not his wife.
  • Grace later wrote that she felt Shaquille was "creepy" and wanted to be done with the ordeal, admitting she is not a huge sports fan and mostly recognizes him from Icy Hot commercials.
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On3 broke the news in on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
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