Former professional basketball player Shaquille O’Neal probably thought supporting First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign would be a public relations slam dunk, but one health group tried to block his shot.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest criticized the former NBA player this week, arguing that Shaq’s line of soda drinks, “Soda Shaq” makes him an unfit representative for the First Lady’s healthy eating and exercise movement.
“Shaquille O’Neal’s new line of sugar drinks have 270 empty, obesogenic calories in every oversize can,” the Center said in a statement released Wednesday. “A celebrity like him shouldn’t have it both ways: You can’t do a photo-op with the First Lady promoting exercise one day, and sell disease-promoting sodas the rest of the year.”
But the outcry from the organization didn’t keep Shaq from attending the First Lady’s “Let’s Move” event in Washington, DC, on Friday. The two made announcements over the PA system at Orr Elementary, praising the kids for eating right and staying active, a White House release said.
“Shaq didn’t get to be a big, tall all-star by eating just junk food,” the First Lady said over the intercom, according to a White House transcript. “He probably, like me, has junk food every now and then, but we had to eat our vegetables and we also had to focus in school.”
“The First Lady’s commitment to physical activity inspires all of us to do more,” Shaq also said during the event, according to the White House. “Active kids are not only healthier, but they have better grades, attendance and behavior. Working with the First Lady and the BOKS team is something I’m very proud of.”
Track star Allyson Felix, retired gymnast Dominique Dawes, DC Public Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson and North America Reebok President Uli Becker also attended Friday’s event.
Soda Shaq was launched back in May in partnership with AriZona Beverages. Shaq’s website says the drinks have 90 calories each.
(h/t The Daily Caller)
