Originally appeared on E! Online
Shaquille O’Neal and Sophie Rain are not fans of speculation.
That’s why both the NBA legend and the OnlyFans model were quick to shut down rumors after TikToker Noah Glenn Carter alleged they were dating and posted a photo of the pair at a Las Vegas nightclub together.
“The age difference is a little uncomfy feeling if I’m completely honest,” Noah said in a Sept. 23 video, “especially when he’s a 53-year-old showing up to a 21-year-old’s birthday.”
Shaq denied that he was romantically involved with Sophie, writing in the comments of Noah’s Instagram post, “I don’t daw [sic] that young but I will date your mom and give u a brother.”
In since-deleted comments that Noah reposted, the Los Angeles Lakers alum also said he was “DJing at Encore Beach Club” when Sophie “came to my party.”
Shaq added, “Stop tryna create rumors.”
Likewise, Sophie said her interaction with Shaq was purely platonic.
“People are running with a wild story, but Shaq was nothing but respectful,” she told Us Weekly Oct. 1. “It was my 21st birthday and he made it unforgettable.”
The content creator added, “I laughed when I saw the rumors. Shaq’s response says it all. He was never trying to be anything more than supportive and fun.”
And for what it’s worth, Noah has since apologized for perpetuating the dating speculation.
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“People are running with a wild story, but Shaq was nothing but respectful,” she told Us Weekly Oct. 1. “It was my 21st birthday and he made it unforgettable.”
The content creator added, “I laughed when I saw the rumors. Shaq’s response says it all. He was never trying to be anything more than supportive and fun.”
And for what it’s worth, Noah has since apologized for perpetuating the dating speculation.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Fanatics; Instagram/Sophie Rain
“Hey Shaq, I’m all down for a brother,” he joked in a Sept. 27 TikTok, referring to the athlete’s comments on his video. “I’ll have to ask my mom about that.”
Noah added, “You’re gonna be where I live in a week, so I apologize, Shaq.”
Shaq previously married Shaunie Henderson in 2002. The pair had a brief separation in 2007, but parted was for the final time in 2009. Their divorce was finalized in 2011.
The athlete and the Basketball Wives star share kids Shareef, 25, Amirah, 23, Shaqir, 22, and Me’arah, 19, with Shaq also serving as a co-parent to Shaunie’s 28-year-old son Myles from a past relationship. He is also dad to daughter Taahirah, 29, with ex Arnetta Yardbourgh.
For more sports stars and their real-life partners, read on.
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Josh Allen & Hailee Steinfeld
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Bubba Wallace & Amanda Wallace
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Isaac Rochell & Allison Kuch
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Jonathan Owens & Simone Biles
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Austin Dillon & Whitney Ward
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Chris Taylor & Mary Keller Taylor
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Justin Turner & Kourtney Turner
“I admire Justin so much for his patience and ability to be completely present in the moment. He could be at an event, helping someone at a baseball clinic, spending time with a patient at the hospital and have a million other things going on but if you are with him, he will feel like the only person in the room.” —Kourtney, lifestyle blogger and wife to MLB player Justin
Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce
“I love you so much. I’m so proud of you, I can’t stand it. Look what you did. Look what you did.” —Taylor, singer and fiancée to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis
Taylor Fritz & Morgan Riddle
“I admire Taylor’s incredible resilience to failure, which in tennis is something that happens almost every week as there is only one winner each week. He really makes me feel like we’re a team and that our success works in tandem.” —Morgan, influencer and girlfriend to professional tennis player Taylor
Mike Weir & Michelle Money
“What I love the most about Mike is his commitment and loyalty to whatever and whomever he loves! He is an amazing father and stepfather as well! Our girls and I are so lucky to have him as an example of hard work and passion!” —Michelle, Bachelor Nation star and wife to professional golfer Mike
Joey Logano & Brittany Logano
“I admire Joey’s ability to be present. Whether it be work or at home, he is fully submersed and can make you feel like you’re all that matters in that moment. I admire his work ethic and passion. He sets goals and he has a plan to achieve them. I admire his ability to not let other people’s opinions about him affect his efforts to succeed. Lastly, I admire his compassion towards people. He truly is the best human I am blessed to know, and that I get to live life with.” —Brittany, former ice skater and wife to NASCAR driver Joey
Patrick Mahomes & Brittany Mahomes
“He is a true leader and a team player. He continued to ask himself what he could do better to lead this team to the Super Bowl. I saw so much behind the scenes that I will forever be in awe of you as a person and a football player!” —Brittany, former soccer player and wife to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick
Kyle Juszczyk & Kristin Juszczyk
“There is no one that inspires me more to go after my dreams than him. Seeing him wake up every day with a smile on his face because he gets to call football ‘work’ is incredibly motivating. I have always admired his dedication and commitment to his craft. From pushing his body to the limit, to growing his own produce at home, every hour of his day is focused on bettering himself. Kyle is the most honorable, humble, loyal and genuine man I have ever met. I am incredibly lucky to call him my husband.” —Kristin, designer and wife to San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle
Daniel Suarez & Julia Piquet
“What I admire and respect the most about Daniel is his work ethic. Every single day I witness him pour his heart into his craft. He is one of the most determined persons I know. He is also incredibly intelligent, humble and very kind.” —Julia, racing correspondent and wife to NASCAR driver Daniel
Matthew Stafford & Kelly Stafford
“He is this funny, smart, witty guy that I wish the whole world could see. He’s just so gentle and caring with our little girls who love him with all their hearts. He was meant to be a girl dad.” —Kelly, podcaster and wife to Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew
Jake Funk & Hannah Ann Sluss
“We share a common vision for the future. I don’t want to change anything about him. I mean, he’s my best friend and we just truly enjoy being around each other.” —Hannan Ann, Bachelor Nation star and wife to running back Jake
Daniel Norris & Sage Erickson
“I love him and I love that we’re both athletes and we can understand what we go through. We very much understand long distance. We understand wins and losses and ups and downs and staying positive and we’re probably both a little bit crazy at this point from our sports and trying to adapt and stay on it.” —Sage, surfer wife to MLB pitcher Daniel