Shaquille O’Neal to launch gluten-free vodka in 2013

Shaquille O’Neal will launch his own brand of vodka in 2013. (Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)

The Big Diesel is entering into yet another industry. The New York Post is reporting that Shaquille O’Neal will launch his own gluten-free, sugar-free brand of vodka, “Luv Shaq” in early 2013.

Not much is known about his latest foray, but the vodka will be in direct competition with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ line of vodka, Ciroc, though at a “more competitive price,” according to the founder of Devotion Vodka, the brand that will produce it for O’Neal. The vodka will be available in coconut flavor and the bottle will feature an image of him adorned with giant wings.

Though certainly a first for the four-time NBA champion, the decision to produce a line of vodka is yet another example of his diversified ventures outside an NBA career that stretched nearly two decades. O’Neal had served as a Miami Beach reserve officer, completed a doctoral degree in Human Resource Development, released five studio rap albums and starred in several movies, television shows and video games. He is currently an analyst on TNT’s Inside the NBA.