NBA legend and television personality Shaquille O’Neal is at the center of a major controversy following an explosive and profane comment directed at rising WNBA star Angel Reese. During a heated podcast segment earlier this week, O’Neal referred to Reese as a “f–king idiot,” a remark that has since triggered a wave of outrage across social media, the sports world, and civil rights organizations.
The comment, made during an unfiltered conversation about player conduct and media appearances, came as a shock to listeners. What began as a discussion about the increasing visibility of female athletes took a sharp turn when O’Neal criticized what he saw as “reckless public behavior” by some players. When Reese’s name came up in the context of recent on-court taunts and interviews, O’Neal let loose a statement that has now landed him in deep trouble.
Backlash from All Sides
Reactions were swift and fierce. Fans, athletes, and advocacy groups took to social media to condemn O’Neal’s words, calling them “inappropriate,” “sexist,” and “deeply disappointing,” especially given his longtime role as a mentor and supporter of younger athletes.
“Calling a young Black woman in professional sports a ‘f–king idiot’ isn’t tough love. It’s verbal abuse cloaked in outdated machismo,” tweeted sports analyst Jemele Hill. “We expect more from Shaq.”
Several of Reese’s WNBA teammates released a joint statement defending her character and leadership. “Angel is one of the hardest-working, most passionate players we know. She deserves respect, not ridicule,” the statement read.
Civil Rights Groups Demand Accountability
The backlash has extended beyond the sports world. Civil rights organizations including the NAACP and the National Council of Women in Sports have called for a formal apology from O’Neal and urged his affiliated media partners to reconsider their association with him if he fails to take responsibility.
“This is not just about a single insult. It’s about the normalization of disrespect toward women—especially Black women—in sports,” said Tanya Fields, a spokesperson for the NCWS. “Public figures must be held accountable for their words.”
A Complicated Legacy in Jeopardy
Shaquille O’Neal, a Hall of Fame center, successful businessman, and media icon, has long enjoyed a reputation for humor and mentorship, often using his platform to uplift young athletes. But critics now say his recent comment undermines that image, and many are questioning whether his status has shielded him from scrutiny for too long.
Though O’Neal has yet to issue a full statement, he responded briefly via Instagram late Monday night: “I stand by what I said—but maybe I could’ve said it better.” The vague acknowledgment has only further inflamed public frustration.
News
🤣 FOX NEWS UNEXPECTED COMEDY BLAST: Kat Timpf just dropped a 24-second punchline so sharp it left Johnny Joey Jones doubled over in laughter — and fans are calling it “the funniest joke ever aired on Gutfeld!”
FOX NEWS FANS LOSE IT: Kat Timpf’s “Funniest Joke of All Time” Leaves Johnny Joey Jones in Tears on Gutfeld! When late-night television meets unscripted honesty, magic happens. And last night, on Fox News’ hit show Gutfeld!, that magic came…
SUPER BOWL LX EARTHQUAKE: Stephen Colbert just stunned America by announcing he will BOYCOTT the game after Bad Bunny was revealed as halftime headliner
SUPER BOWL LX EARTHQUAKE: Colbert’s Explosive Boycott Over Bad Bunny Halftime Show Sends Shockwaves Across America When comedian and late-night host Stephen Colbert dropped his bombshell live on air, millions of Americans froze in disbelief. Colbert, a figure best known…
🚨FOX NEWS EARTHQUAKE: Viewers were left gasping as Sandra Smith was suddenly announced — live on-air — as Jessica Tarlov’s replacement on The Five.
Major Shake-Up at Fox News: Sandra Smith Officially Replaces Jessica Tarlov on The Five In a move that caught both fans and critics off guard, Fox News stunned viewers with a live on-air announcement confirming that longtime anchor Sandra Smith…
END OF AN ERA: CBS just confirmed The Late Show will be canceled in May 2026 — and Stephen Colbert’s final transformation is leaving fans in tears.
As CBS prepares to cancel The Late Show in May 2026, Stephen Colbert’s transformation from a razor-sharp satirist to television’s heartfelt “grief counselor” shines brighter than ever. His unique gift for blending laughter with deep empathy has turned every episode…
MEDIA UPRISING: Jimmy Kimmel just lit a fuse ABC never dared touch. Stephen Colbert shocked fans by joining him. And then came the bombshell: Simon Cowell — the kingmaker of American Idol — stepped off the judging throne and into the battlefield.
“Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert Just Sparked a Media Rebellion — And Simon Cowell Just Poured the Gasoline” – USA HOTNEWSS It began, as so many of 2025’s political flashpoints have, with a joke. Jimmy Kimmel, veteran of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel…
FROM AWKWARD TO DESTINY: Long before Stephen Colbert was a late-night icon, he nearly blew his shot at love — fumbling his very first attempt to ask Evelyn for her number, right in front of her parents.
Stephen Colbert embarrassed himself asking Evelyn for her number in their first meet in front of her parents. The Late Show host hilariously confessed he never even got Evelyn’s number that night, but years later her parents pulled off the…
End of content
No more pages to load