LOS ANGELES — Shaquille O’Neal firmly denied viral claims that he sent explicit and bizarre direct messages to pop star Sabrina Carpenter, telling listeners on his podcast that the screenshots are fake and that he possesses far better flirtation skills than those portrayed.

The 54-year-old NBA Hall of Famer addressed the rumor during a recent episode of “The Big Podcast with Shaq,” reading aloud some of the alleged lewd messages before dismissing them outright. “First of all, ladies, the Diesel got way more game than that,” O’Neal said, using his well-known nickname while laughing off the controversy.

The screenshots, which circulated widely on social media earlier this month, purported to show O’Neal sliding into Carpenter’s Instagram DMs with graphic and unusual content, including a line about keeping her “farts in a cologne bottle” and spraying it daily. Other alleged messages referenced crude sexual boasts. The images appeared to come from a verified account with O’Neal’s photo, but he and his co-hosts quickly pointed out signs of manipulation.

Co-hosts on the podcast, including comedian K.T. Bailey, agreed the messages did not sound like O’Neal. Bailey noted that the profile picture looked photoshopped and suggested the entire exchange could be AI-generated or fabricated by someone seeking viral attention. O’Neal added that the tone and phrasing — including him introducing himself despite messaging from his own verified handle — made the claims implausible.

Viral Rumor Sparks Online Debate

The rumor gained traction rapidly after the screenshots surfaced, with some users initially believing the messages were genuine due to the realistic appearance of the Instagram interface. Discussions ranged from amusement to criticism, with some questioning why a celebrity of O’Neal’s stature would send such overt and awkward overtures to the 26-year-old singer known for hits like “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.”

Carpenter, who has not publicly commented on the alleged DMs, has remained silent on the matter. No confirmation or denial has come from her representatives, and she has not shared or reacted to the screenshots on her own social channels.

O’Neal’s response mixed humor with dismissal. He joked about the explicit nature of the messages while emphasizing that his real-life approach to interaction differs significantly. Podcast guests reinforced that the content did not align with O’Neal’s public persona or typical communication style, noting that the messages read more like an attempt at internet trolling than authentic celebrity outreach.

O’Neal’s History with Social Media and Public Persona

The former Los Angeles Lakers center has long embraced a larger-than-life personality both on and off the court. Known for his charisma, business ventures and frequent media appearances, O’Neal maintains an active presence on social platforms and his podcast. He has previously shared stories about his dating life and admitted to past personal mistakes, including infidelity during his playing days.

This latest rumor fits into a broader pattern of celebrity DM scandals that often spread quickly online, sometimes fueled by deepfakes, AI tools or edited images designed to generate engagement. Experts note that Instagram DM screenshots are relatively easy to fabricate with modern editing software, especially when combined with AI-generated text or profile elements.

O’Neal has faced scrutiny over personal matters in the past but has generally addressed rumors with a blend of candor and humor. His podcast response continued that approach, turning a potentially awkward situation into lighthearted content for listeners while firmly rejecting the allegations.

Context of Celebrity Interactions and Online Virality

Incidents involving alleged direct messages between high-profile figures often highlight the challenges of social media in the digital age. What begins as a single post can snowball into widespread discussion, speculation and sometimes reputational harm before facts emerge.

In this case, the rapid spread of the screenshots underscores how quickly unverified content can circulate, particularly when it involves a generational gap between a basketball legend and a rising pop sensation. Carpenter, who rose to fame as a Disney Channel star before transitioning to mainstream music success, has cultivated a playful yet confident public image that contrasts sharply with the crude tone of the alleged messages.

O’Neal, standing 7-foot-1 and weighing over 300 pounds in his playing prime, has cultivated the “Big Diesel” persona that emphasizes dominance, wit and self-deprecation. His denial leaned into that image, suggesting that any real attempt at flirtation from him would reflect greater sophistication or “game.”

Social media users reacted with a mix of skepticism and amusement. Some defended O’Neal, arguing the messages were obviously fake, while others treated the story as harmless entertainment. The episode also reignited conversations about the ethics of sharing private messages — real or fabricated — without consent.

Broader Implications for Celebrity Culture

The incident reflects ongoing tensions in how celebrities navigate privacy, public perception and digital interactions. High-profile figures like O’Neal and Carpenter operate under constant scrutiny, where even unproven rumors can dominate news cycles.

O’Neal’s decision to address the claim directly on his podcast allowed him to control the narrative and inject humor, potentially diffusing any lingering damage. It also served as a reminder for audiences to approach viral content with caution, especially when it involves private communications that lack independent verification.

Carpenter has continued her busy schedule, promoting music and touring without addressing the rumor. Her team has not issued any statement, consistent with a strategy of ignoring unsubstantiated online noise.

For O’Neal, the episode adds another colorful chapter to a post-basketball career filled with media appearances, business deals and entertainment projects. The four-time NBA champion remains a beloved figure whose larger-than-life personality often invites both admiration and lighthearted mockery.

As the story fades from immediate headlines, it highlights the speed and reach of social media rumors in 2026. With AI tools making fabrication increasingly convincing, distinguishing fact from fiction requires greater scrutiny from both consumers and platforms.

O’Neal’s closing message on the podcast was simple: the claims were false, and anyone familiar with him should have known better. His co-hosts echoed the sentiment, reinforcing that the viral screenshots represented internet mischief rather than reality.

In an era where celebrity interactions fuel endless online speculation, O’Neal’s blunt denial and self-aware humor offered a straightforward rebuttal: the Diesel has way more game than that.

GameStop Corp. shares traded modestly lower in early Thursday trading as investors digested the video game retailer’s latest quarterly results, which showed declining revenue amid a broader industry shift to digital downloads but a surge in profitability and a massive cash reserve that continues to fuel speculation about the meme stock’s future.

As of mid-morning Eastern time on March 26, 2026, GME stock was changing hands around $22.74, down about 1.5% from the previous close of $23.08. The stock has swung between roughly $22.62 and $23.22 so far in the session, with volume approaching 2 million shares. For the week, shares are little changed after posting a 1.18% gain on Wednesday following the earnings release.

GameStop reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 results after the market close on Tuesday, March 24. Revenue fell to $1.104 billion, missing Wall Street expectations and reflecting a 13.9% year-over-year decline as consumers increasingly bypass physical stores for digital game purchases and downloads. Adjusted earnings per share, however, came in at 49 cents, comfortably beating forecasts of around 31 cents.

The Grapevine, Texas-based company posted net income of $418.4 million for the full fiscal year, a sharp improvement from $131.3 million in fiscal 2024. Excluding certain one-time items such as impairments and losses on digital assets, the results highlighted better cost management and gross margin expansion. Full-year net sales totaled $3.63 billion, down 5% from the prior year.

Analysts noted the mixed bag. While hardware and software sales continued to soften, the company’s growing emphasis on collectibles — including trading cards, figurines and memorabilia — provided some offset, with that segment showing strength in recent periods. GameStop has been repositioning itself away from traditional video game retail toward a broader entertainment and collectibles play as the industry evolves.

A standout feature of the report was the balance sheet. GameStop ended the period with approximately $9.01 billion in cash and cash equivalents, giving it significant financial flexibility. The company has no long-term debt of note, resulting in a net cash position that values the enterprise well below its cash holdings on some metrics. That war chest has long intrigued investors, sparking talk of potential acquisitions, share buybacks or other capital returns.

“GameStop’s cash pile is its greatest asset right now,” said one retail investor tracking the name on social media platforms, echoing a sentiment common in online communities. “Whether Ryan Cohen deploys it for a big deal or just sits on it, it keeps the short sellers nervous.”

CEO Ryan Cohen, who took the helm in 2023 after building a sizable stake, has kept a relatively low public profile but is widely credited with steering the company toward cost discipline and strategic pivots. Speculation about a major acquisition — with names like eBay occasionally floated in media reports — has periodically lifted the stock, though no deals have materialized.

The stock’s volatility remains a defining trait. GME has traded in a 52-week range of $19.93 to $35.81. Year to date through late March 2026, shares are up roughly 14-15%, outperforming many other former meme stocks that have struggled in 2026. Market capitalization stands near $10.3 billion based on about 448 million shares outstanding.

Short interest continues to draw attention from retail traders. As of mid-March, roughly 64.2 million shares were sold short, representing about 15.7% of the public float. The days-to-cover ratio hovered around 12, meaning it would take more than two weeks of average daily volume to close out those positions at current levels. While far below the frenzied levels seen during the 2021 short squeeze that propelled shares above $80 intraday (pre-split adjusted), the persistent short position keeps alive the narrative of potential upward pressure.

The GameStop saga dates back to early 2021, when social media-driven buying by retail investors, amplified by figures like Keith Gill — better known as “Roaring Kitty” or DeepF**kingValue on Reddit — triggered one of the most dramatic short squeezes in Wall Street history. Shares skyrocketed from under $20 to triple digits in a matter of days, inflicting heavy losses on hedge funds with large short bets and sparking congressional hearings, regulatory scrutiny and a cultural moment around “diamond hands” and meme stocks.

Gill has periodically resurfaced on social media, posting cryptic messages or position updates that have occasionally reignited trading fervor. Michael Burry, the investor made famous by “The Big Short,” has also expressed interest in GME at times, citing its undervaluation relative to net asset value. Such endorsements, even without direct action, tend to boost visibility in retail circles.

Yet the fundamentals tell a more challenging story. The video game industry has shifted dramatically toward digital distribution, with platforms like Steam, PlayStation Network and Xbox Live capturing the majority of software sales. Physical game disc sales have plummeted, pressuring retailers like GameStop. The company has responded by closing underperforming stores, trimming overhead and exploring new revenue streams in collectibles and potentially e-commerce or partnerships.

Circana, an industry tracker, projects U.S. video game spending to rise modestly in 2026, but much of that growth is expected in digital and subscription models rather than brick-and-mortar. GameStop’s employee count has shrunk significantly from its peak, now hovering around 4,000.

Wall Street analysts remain cautious overall. The consensus price target sits well below current levels, around $13.50, implying potential downside of more than 40% for some models. Ratings are generally neutral to sell, reflecting concerns over long-term revenue trajectory in a tough retail environment. However, the massive cash balance and low debt provide a floor that limits bankruptcy risk and supports the “value trap or deep value” debate.

Options activity around earnings was elevated, with implied moves suggesting traders anticipated a 6-7% swing in either direction post-results. The stock initially dipped on the revenue miss but recovered some ground as the earnings beat and cash position took center stage.

For individual investors, GME remains a high-risk, high-volatility name. Trading volume often spikes on news or social media catalysts, and beta above 1.5 indicates it moves more dramatically than the broader market. Those holding through multiple cycles cite community loyalty and the cash hoard as reasons for optimism, while critics point to eroding core business and lack of a clear turnaround path.

GameStop has not provided detailed forward guidance, consistent with its recent practice of limited commentary. The company did note ongoing efforts to optimize its footprint and invest in areas with growth potential, particularly collectibles, which saw sales gains in the quarter.

As the broader market grapples with economic uncertainty, interest rates and sector rotations, speculative names like GME often move independently on narrative rather than pure fundamentals. Whether the stock can sustain momentum or faces renewed pressure will likely depend on how management deploys its cash, any strategic announcements and the unpredictable influence of social media sentiment.

Investors should note that past meme-stock surges were driven by extraordinary short-covering dynamics that may not repeat. With short interest moderated but still notable, and a cash-rich but revenue-challenged business, GME continues to embody the tension between traditional value metrics and modern retail investor enthusiasm.

GameStop is scheduled to hold its next earnings call in the coming months, where further details on strategy could emerge. In the meantime, traders are watching technical levels around $22 support and $24-$25 resistance.

Alphabet Inc. shares traded lower in early Thursday trading, pulling back from recent levels as Wall Street digested the tech giant’s strong fourth-quarter performance and ambitious plans for heavy artificial intelligence investments in 2026.

As of mid-morning Eastern time on March 26, 2026, Alphabet’s Class A shares (GOOGL) were changing hands around $286, down roughly 1.5% from the previous close near $290.93. The stock has fluctuated between approximately $285 and $290 so far in the session, with volume on pace to exceed the daily average. For the week, shares are modestly lower after a mixed performance in recent sessions.

The Mountain View, California-based company, parent of Google, reported robust fiscal 2025 fourth-quarter results on Feb. 4. Revenue climbed 18% year-over-year to $113.8 billion, surpassing analyst expectations, while net income surged 30% to $34.5 billion. Earnings per share reached $2.82, beating forecasts of around $2.64.

For the full year 2025, Alphabet’s revenue topped $402.8 billion for the first time, up 15% from the prior year. Net income rose to $132.2 billion, with diluted EPS at $10.81. Operating margin held steady near 32%, even as the company absorbed a $2.1 billion stock-based compensation charge related to its Waymo autonomous driving unit.

Google Services, which includes Search, YouTube and subscriptions, drove much of the growth. Segment revenue increased 14% to $95.9 billion in the quarter, fueled by 17% growth in Google Search and other advertising, 9% gains in YouTube ads and strong subscription momentum. YouTube’s total revenue across ads and subscriptions exceeded $60 billion for the full year.

Google Cloud continued its rapid expansion, with revenue jumping 48% to $17.7 billion in the fourth quarter. The unit’s annual run rate surpassed $70 billion, powered by demand for AI infrastructure and enterprise solutions on Google Cloud Platform. CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted AI as a key growth driver across the business.

“AI investments and infrastructure are driving revenue and growth across the board,” Pichai said in the earnings release. He noted the launch of Gemini 3 as a milestone, with the Gemini app reaching over 750 million monthly active users and first-party models processing billions of tokens per minute.

The company also outlined aggressive capital spending plans for 2026, projecting $175 billion to $185 billion in capex — significantly above prior analyst estimates. Much of that will fund data centers and AI compute capacity to meet surging demand from cloud customers and internal needs.

Analysts largely viewed the results positively, though the elevated spending outlook raised questions about near-term margin pressure. Consensus remains a “Buy” rating, with average 12-month price targets around $350 to $367, implying potential upside of more than 20% from current levels. Some firms have targets as high as $420.

Alphabet’s balance sheet remains fortress-like. The company ended 2025 with about $126.8 billion in cash and marketable securities. It returned capital to shareholders through $5.5 billion in share repurchases and $2.5 billion in dividends in the fourth quarter. A quarterly dividend of $0.21 per share was paid, with the ex-dividend date in early March.

Short interest stands at roughly 80 million shares as of mid-March, representing about 1.4% of the float — relatively low for a mega-cap tech name. Days to cover hover around 2.8, suggesting limited immediate squeeze risk.

Shares have shown volatility in 2026, trading in a 52-week range of roughly $140.53 to $349. Market capitalization sits near $3.5 trillion. Year-to-date performance has been mixed amid broader tech sector rotations and concerns over high valuations in the artificial intelligence space. The stock’s beta around 1.1 indicates it moves roughly in line with the broader market.

The company’s core advertising business, which still accounts for the majority of revenue, benefits from its dominant position in search and video. Digital ad spending has remained resilient, though competition from platforms like TikTok and emerging AI-driven search tools continues to evolve the landscape. YouTube’s subscription growth, including YouTube Premium, has provided diversification.

Google Cloud’s momentum positions Alphabet as a key player in the hyperscale cloud market, competing with Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure. Enterprise adoption of generative AI tools has accelerated demand for specialized infrastructure, where Alphabet claims advantages through its custom chips and integrated AI offerings.

Other Bets, including Waymo, continue to incur losses but represent long-term optionality in autonomous vehicles and moonshot projects. The $2.1 billion charge in the fourth quarter reflected a higher valuation for Waymo following an investment round.

Wall Street expects the next earnings report, covering the first quarter of 2026, around April 23. Analysts are modeling continued double-digit revenue growth, with particular focus on Google Cloud margins and the pace of AI-related capex deployment.

Challenges persist. Regulatory scrutiny remains a headwind, with ongoing antitrust cases in the U.S. and Europe potentially affecting search and advertising practices. The company also faces intensifying competition in AI from OpenAI, Anthropic and others, though its vast data resources and distribution through Google products provide a strong moat.

Broader economic factors, including interest rates and consumer spending, could influence ad budgets. Yet Pichai and the leadership team have emphasized AI as an “expansionary moment” for Search, where new features drive more usage rather than cannibalizing existing revenue.

For investors, Alphabet offers a blend of mature cash flow generation from advertising and high-growth exposure through cloud and AI. Its forward price-to-earnings ratio sits around 25, considered reasonable for a company with consistent earnings beats and strong free cash flow — $73.3 billion for full-year 2025.

Retail and institutional interest remains high, with the stock a core holding in many growth-oriented portfolios. Options activity often spikes around earnings, reflecting expectations for volatility.

As Alphabet prepares for its Q1 update, focus will likely center on whether AI monetization is accelerating as hoped and how the heavy 2026 investments will impact profitability in the near term versus long-term positioning.

The tech sector’s rotation in early 2026 has seen some profit-taking in high-flyers, but analysts generally see Alphabet as well-positioned for continued leadership in digital infrastructure and services.

GameStop-like meme dynamics are absent here; instead, moves are driven by fundamental execution in AI and cloud. With a massive cash pile, disciplined capital return and clear strategic direction under Pichai, Alphabet embodies the tension between today’s strong results and tomorrow’s heavy spending.

Investors will monitor technical support near $280 and resistance around $300 in the coming sessions.

Chris Nicholas Vrame is a Sacramento, California–based entrepreneur and real estate developer known for bringing ambitious ideas to life through persistence and practical execution.

Raised in the greater Chicago area, he developed an early appreciation for hard work and community. Growing up near a major city exposed him to many industries and people, shaping his people-focused approach to business.

Vrame attended DePaul University in Chicago, where he strengthened his ability to think long term and manage complex projects. These skills would become central to his career as he moved into entrepreneurial ventures and development.

One of his earliest notable projects was The Tasting Room, a wine bar in Chicago that allowed guests to sample more than 100 wines by the glass each night. The concept, recognised by Wine Spectator, combined hospitality with retail and gave customers the opportunity to purchase wines they enjoyed during their visit. The project reflected Vrame’s ability to combine creativity with operational planning.

After relocating to California, he focused on entrepreneurship and property development. He served as a co-founder and primary financial partner of Arena Softball, an indoor adaptation of baseball designed to create a faster and more engaging version of the game.

Vrame also led the redevelopment of the Lakeside Business Park and Residential Planned Community in Elk Grove, transforming previously stalled land into a thriving mixed-use area with more than 300 homes and commercial space.

His career centres on innovation, patience, and the long process of turning ideas into real projects that serve communities.

Q&A with Chris Nicholas Vrame

Q: You grew up in the Chicago area. How did that environment influence your career?

Chicago shaped a lot of my thinking early on. It’s a big city with many different industries and people from every background. You learn quickly how to communicate and how to adapt.

I grew up seeing businesses of all sizes. That made me curious about how things are built and managed. It also showed me that success usually comes from persistence rather than quick wins.

Q: You later attended DePaul University. What role did your education play in your professional path?

DePaul helped me build discipline. College teaches you how to manage responsibilities over a longer period of time. You have to think ahead and stay organised.

For me, it reinforced the idea that big projects take patience. That mindset became important later when I started working on business ventures and development projects that required years of work.

Q: One of your earliest ventures was The Tasting Room in Chicago. What inspired that concept?

At the time, wine bars were usually limited in selection. We wanted to create a place where people could explore wine without committing to a full bottle.

The idea was simple. Customers could sample over 100 wines by the glass in one evening. If they liked something, they could buy it from the retail shop attached to the bar.

It turned into a great experience for customers. Wine Spectator recognised it, which was encouraging. But what mattered most was that people enjoyed discovering new wines in a relaxed setting.

Q: What did that project teach you about entrepreneurship?

It taught me that innovation often comes from small changes to an existing idea. You don’t always have to reinvent everything.

We just asked a simple question: what would make the experience better for the customer?

If you focus on that question long enough, you often find interesting solutions.

Q: You later became involved in Arena Softball. How did that opportunity come about?

Arena Softball came from the idea of adapting baseball to a faster, indoor format. The game is played inside a fully netted arena with unique rules that keep the action moving.

Greg Joseph is often listed publicly as the founder. My role was as a co-founder and primary financial partner. I helped support the development and structure of the concept.

What interested me was the idea of taking a traditional sport and asking how it might evolve in a different environment.

Q: What did you learn from working on a sports concept like that?

You learn that innovation always involves uncertainty. Sports traditions run deep, so people can be cautious about change.

But sometimes experimenting with a new format can open up new audiences or new experiences.

Arena Softball operated in places like Eagan, Minnesota. Seeing the concept come to life showed me how ideas can move from paper to reality when the right team commits to them.

Q: Real estate development later became a major focus of your career. How did that happen?

When I moved to California, I started looking more closely at development opportunities.

One project that stands out is the redevelopment of Lakeside Business Park and the surrounding residential community in Elk Grove.

The property had been stalled for years because of zoning issues and planning delays.

Q: What made you pursue that project despite those challenges?

Sometimes when people see obstacles, they step away. I tend to look at what the long-term potential might be.

In this case, I believed the land could support both homes and businesses. After working through approvals and planning changes, the project eventually became a community with more than 300 homes along with offices and local businesses.

It took time. Projects like that always do.

Q: What guiding philosophy has shaped your career across these industries?

Patience and follow-through.

Ideas are everywhere. The difference is whether someone is willing to stay with the project for years.

I try not to start something unless I’m prepared to see it through.

Q: Outside of work, what keeps you balanced?

I enjoy skiing, youth sports, and theatre. Those activities remind me that teamwork and preparation matter in every field.

Whether you’re on a stage, in a sport, or working on a development project, success usually comes from preparation and commitment.