Shaquille O’Neal isn’t having it on the subject of criticism of his mentee and WNBA star Angel Reese, and he made that crystal clear throughout an look on the “Off the Document” podcast this week.
The NBA legend got here out swinging after Robert Griffin III, higher generally known as RGIII, determined to stir the pot once more on social media. On July 10, Griffin chimed in on the discourse a few racist photograph edit of Reese’s NBA 2K26 cowl. Nevertheless, as he condemned a racist photograph edit of Reese’s NBA 2K cowl, he additionally threw gas on the fireplace by claiming that Reese “hates” Caitlin Clark.
“RGIII: Tweet one other monkey put up about my woman Angel Reese and I’m gonna punch you in your f****** face,” O’Neal mentioned in the course of the July 15 podcast episode. “It’s sufficient. I don’t often do stuff like this, however cease it, bro. You bought your job, you bought your podcast. Depart my Angel Reese alone.”
Griffin’s unique put up claimed he had “been quiet on the Angel Reese entrance” as a result of she allegedly shared content material that led to demise threats in opposition to his household. He went on to say that folks in Reese’s “interior circle” instructed him she “hates Caitlin Clark” resulting from fixed media comparisons between the 2 gamers.
The feedback sparked rapid backlash, with Reese and her mom even calling out Griffin for mendacity in regards to the scenario. Equally, sports activities commentator Ryan Clark referred to as out RGIII‘s “unusual fascination with Angel Reese.” However O’Neal didn’t maintain again when defending his mentee.
Shaq went past simply clapping again. He framed your complete dialog for what it truly is: a mirrored image of how Black girls, particularly in sports activities, are policed and criticized underneath the guise of “debate.” And let’s not overlook, Angel Reese has been catching warmth for the reason that second she stepped into the nationwide highlight, most of it rooted in racism and misogynoir.
“In the event you go searching [at] what’s happening on this actual nation, that’s hate,” O’Neal mentioned in regards to the perceived pressure between the 2 stars. “That is sports activities. I’m not supposed to love you.”
The previous Lakers and Warmth heart made it clear he’s been advising Reese not to reply to the criticism.
“She’s not gonna reply, as a result of I’m the one calling her and be like, ‘Child, maintain it elegant,’” Shaq defined. “As a result of she’s not tender, by any means. [She’s] from the streets. However I’m like, ‘You’re stunning. Don’t indulge with these fools.’ As a result of he’s a idiot.”
Shaq didn’t cease there. He questioned Griffin’s credibility to talk on girls’s basketball whereas suggesting the previous quarterback may be higher remembered for his controversial podcast takes than his NFL profession.
“He don’t even have G-14 classification to say that,” O’Neal mentioned, referencing the now-defunct European soccer group. “I might respect it extra if Lisa Leslie mentioned it [because] that’s [her] class. Keep out of different individuals’s class.”
The passionate protection comes as Reese continues to make her mark within the WNBA on and off the court docket. Earlier this month Reese introduced her signature Reebok shoe on the quilt of the NBA 2K26 WNBA Version. Thought-about as one of many league’s rising stars alongside Clark, Reese, each gamers, who confronted off within the 2023 NCAA championship recreation, have been topic to fixed comparisons and manufactured controversy all through their skilled careers.
Finally, Shaq’s message to Griffin was clear: “go away these women alone.”
“Like, I don’t thoughts you doing all your job, similar as anybody, however don’t decide on that little woman. As a result of guess what? I’m her protector. Now decide on me. You decide on me, I’m gonna punch you in your fucking face,” he concluded.
