Ferrell Ejects Shaq: Comedian Escorts Basketball Star Out of Staples Center
At the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday, comedic actor Will Ferrell dressed in a red security guard outfit and pretended to escort former Lakers player Shaquille O'Neal, who was watching the Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns game courtside, out of the arena.
Video footage shows a stoic, mustachioed Ferrell coolly walking up to Shaq, authoritatively indicating that the former basketball star put his hands behind his back and leave the arena.
Shaq complies, calmly putting his hands behind his back and allowing himself to be escorted by Ferrell, wearing a red blazer and a nametag, out of the arena.
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Announcers following the elaborate joke quipped, "He's stone-faced, acting the part to the tee," as NBA footage showed Ferrell standing on the court sidelines with a serious expression and stance.
"Everybody knows about the red coats here at the Staples Center," one announcer commented, adding, "I'm watching you, no smiling either. You can't do it when you're a red coat."
Ferrell and Shaq received an array of hoots and cheers from fans as they left the court together, although judging by video footage, many were unaware of the comedic performance taking place before their eyes.
Others took to Twitter to joke about Ferrell's actions, calling his spoof as a security guard "tremendously hilarious" and "too funny."
Along with Ferrell's antics at Tuesday's game, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Phoenix Suns 91-85.
Ferrell is known for starring in such comedic roles as Ron Burgundy in "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" and in the film "Old School."
This isn't the first time Ferrell has participated in NBA antics.
In February 2012, the sports enthusiast dramatically read the player introductions during a New Orleans Hornets game.
