NEW YORK (AP) — Shaq and Gronk are about to throw down with each other for a cause.
The men with seven championship rings between them will compete against each other June 27 in Shaq's Fun House Vs Gronk Beach, a virtual party combining fun and music as a benefit for social justice.
“We're all about bringing people together.," O'Neal said. "We're all about making people smile. As I look at Gronk, I see a version of myself. ... I'm proud to say he's a friend. I'm glad to say I probably couldn't pull this off with anybody else besides Gronk.”
The three-time Super Bowl champ had been retired when traded by New England to Tampa Bay in April. He currently has his own “Game On” show on ABC and recently appeared on “The Masked Singer.” Gronkowski noted he first competed against the Basketball Hall of Famer and four-time NBA champ in a dance battle.
“Ever since then, I’ve actually been waiting to challenge him again,” Gronkowski said.
They will compete in six different challenges including a lip sync battle, a game of HORSE, and jousting, with the winner of each earning a donation to his charity.
O'Neal is competing for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, while Gronkowski's winnings go to the NAACP. DoorDash also will donate one meal for each viewer in the live-stream up to 1.25 million meals in conjunction with Feeding America.
The party, starting at 8 p.m. ET, will be live-streamed for free at www.ShaqVsGronk.com and also on Tik Tok with a simulcast on outlets including LiveXLive, Facebook, Twitch, YouTube and Twitter. Fans will be able to live chat and even suggest shots for HORSE.
Taylor Rooks and comedien JB Smoove are hosting the party, which also will feature performances and interviews with rapper Snoop Dogg; DaBaby who has the current hit “Rockstar;” DJ Steve Aoki; DJ and songwriter Diplo; and Carnage. O'Neal also will take his turn as DJ Diesel.