What started as yet another hot-ta
During a recent appearance on the “Off The Record” podcast, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal launched a blistering rebuke of former NFL quarterback-turned-analyst Robert Griffin III (RG3), following a controversial social media post that crossed a line no one expected.
The Post That Sparked a Firestorm
At the center of the controversy is a now-deleted repost by RG3 on X (formerly Twitter), which featured a digitally altered version of the upcoming NBA 2K26 video game cover with Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese depicted as a monkey.
The image quickly circulated online, drawing sharp criticism across the board. But none louder—or more visceral—than that of Shaquille O’Neal.
On the podcast, Shaq didn’t mince words:
“RG3, tweet another monkey post about my girl Angel Reese—I’m going to punch you in your MFing face,” he warned.
The moment instantly went viral, with fans, athletes, and media outlets reacting to Shaq’s rare but resolute fury.
Why This Hit Home for Shaq
Shaq’s defense of Angel Reese goes deeper than a headline. The two are both products of LSU, and O’Neal, now the president of Reebok Basketball, recently signed Reese to a major sneaker deal with the brand.
Beyond business, Shaq has repeatedly shown public support for Reese as a rising force in women’s basketball—and as a young Black woman navigating both stardom and intense scrutiny.
“I’m the one calling her and telling her not to respond,” Shaq said on the podcast.
“You got your job. You got your podcast. Leave my Angel alone… That’s the last time.”
For O’Neal, the disrespect wasn’t just about one photo. It was about what it represented: the racialized criticism that Black athletes—especially Black women—still endure in the public spotlight.
Shaq Takes on RG3’s Legacy
While acknowledging RG3’s past achievements—most notably his standout rookie season in the NFL—Shaq didn’t hold back in criticizing the quarterback’s recent turn as a provocateur in sports media.
“It’s a shame that all the stuff you did in your life, you’re going to be remembered for your podcast,” Shaq said, taking aim not just at the post but at RG3’s entire online persona.
“That should tell you you’re not that great. I don’t want to be remembered for Shaq’s ‘Big Podcast.’ I do not.”
The rebuke struck a chord with fans and fellow athletes alike, many of whom echoed O’Neal’s sentiment—that RG3’s commentary crossed a line from critique to cruelty.
The Larger Conversation: Race, Competition, and Respect
Shaq also used the podcast moment to push back on the idea that athletic rivalries—such as the one between Angel Reese and Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark—must come at the expense of dignity or humanity.
“She’s supposed to hate her. So what?” Shaq said.
“That’s not real hate. That’s sports. I hated the Clippers. I hated the Celtics. That’s part of competition.”
But when the trash talk slips into racially loaded imagery, Shaq made it clear: the gloves come off.
“Look around at what’s going on in this real country. That’s hate,” he added.
“This is sports. I’m not supposed to like you—but I’m not supposed to degrade you either.”
Will the Feud Escalate?
As of now, Robert Griffin III has not responded publicly to Shaq’s threat or addressed the backlash in depth. The offensive image was taken down shortly after it began trending, but the damage—to reputation and relationships—has already been done.
Fans are now watching closely to see whether RG3 will issue a formal apology—or double down. But one thing is certain: Shaquille O’Neal meant every word.
“Say something about me,” he dared RG3.
“Now what?”
The Takeaway: This Isn’t Just a Spat—It’s a Statement
Shaquille O’Neal’s explosive response isn’t just about defending Angel Reese. It’s about protecting the integrity of the game, the players, and the culture that raised them both.
And in a media landscape where trolling often earns more attention than truth, Shaq made it clear he won’t sit silently while people he cares about become targets.
He’s always been a force on the court. Now, he’s proving he’ll be just as relentless off it.
Because for Shaq, this isn’t just about a tweet—it’s about respect. And in his world, that’s not negotiable.
News
The Caitlyn Clark Effect: How a Signature Logo and Star Power Are Shaping the Future of the WNBA Amidst Rising Tensions
The world of women’s professional basketball is no stranger to the spotlight, but recently, that light has intensified to a…
The Caitlyn Clark Effect: How a Signature Logo and Star Power Are Shaping the Future of the WNBA Amidst Rising Tensions
The world of women’s professional basketball is no stranger to the spotlight, but recently, that light has intensified to a…
Caitlyn Clark’s Stanley Cup Deal Signals New Era for Women’s Sports, While Fever’s Roster Shakeup Highlights WNBA’s Growing Pains
The world of professional sports, particularly women’s basketball, is undergoing a seismic shift. For decades, the narrative has been one…
A “Disgusting and Divisive” Stand: How Rosie O’Donnell’s Rejection of American Eagle Ignited a Debate on Celebrity, Brands, and Cultural Messages
In the ever-evolving landscape of celebrity endorsements and brand partnerships, a single comment from a prominent voice can ignite…
Hollywood’s Unspoken Divide: The Unfolding Story of Blake Lively’s Solo Spotlight and Ryan Reynolds’ Surprising Step Back
In the sprawling, high-stakes world of Hollywood, where every gesture is scrutinized and every relationship is a public performance, few…
Headline: The $100 Million Question: The Day ‘The View’ Was Forced to Face Consequences, and What Sunny Hostin’s On-Air Meltdown Revealed About the Power of Words
For decades, daytime talk shows have served as a unique and often chaotic microcosm of American culture. They are a…
End of content
No more pages to load
