Shaq Says He Turned Down Michael Clarke Duncan's Iconic 'The Green Mile' Role

While on the "The Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast" this week, Shaquille O'Neal revealed that he was initially offered the role of John Coffey in "The Green Mile," who was played by Michael Clarke Duncan...

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"I didn't want to play the down-South African American guy during slavery," Shaq explained. "I didn't want to play that role."

Shaq, who was still with the Lakers in '99, added he has no regrets over it all -- especially considering Duncan shined in the part.

"The guy who played it did a wonderful job," Shaq says, "He's no longer with us, he passed away. Michael Clarke Duncan did an excellent job."

"I think I made the right decision because he did way better than I could have done," Shaq said. "But, I got offered that role."

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