Shaq’s Heated Response to RGIII
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal unleashed a fiery defense of his mentee, WNBA star Angel Reese, during a July 15, 2025, episode of the Off the Record podcast. O’Neal targeted former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III (RGIII) for comments made about Reese on social media, specifically addressing a racist photo edit of Reese’s NBA 2K26 WNBA Edition cover. Griffin’s July 10 post not only condemned the racist edit but also claimed Reese “hates” fellow WNBA star Caitlin Clark, sparking widespread backlash.
“RGIII: Tweet another monkey post about my girl Angel Reese, and I’m gonna punch you in your f****** face,” O’Neal declared. “It’s enough. Leave my Angel Reese alone.” His blunt words underscored his role as Reese’s protector, emphasizing that the criticism she faces often stems from racism and misogynoir.
The Root of the Controversy
Griffin’s post suggested that Reese’s “inner circle” confirmed her animosity toward Clark, citing media-driven comparisons between the two players. He also claimed Reese shared content that led to death threats against his family, escalating the drama. Reese and her mother swiftly denied these allegations, calling out Griffin for spreading falsehoods. Sports commentator Ryan Clark also criticized Griffin’s fixation on Reese, labeling it “strange.”
O’Neal framed the issue as part of a broader pattern of unfair scrutiny faced by Black women in sports. “If you look around [at] what’s going on in this real country, that’s hate,” he said, dismissing the notion of genuine rivalry between Reese and Clark. “This is sports. I’m not supposed to like you.”
Shaq’s Guidance to Reese
As a mentor, O’Neal has advised Reese to rise above the negativity. “She’s not gonna respond, because I’m the one calling her and be like, ‘Baby, keep it classy,’” he shared. He praised Reese’s resilience, noting her Baltimore roots and tough persona, but urged her to avoid engaging with detractors. “She’s beautiful. Don’t indulge with these fools,” he added, calling Griffin out for overstepping.
O’Neal questioned Griffin’s authority to comment on women’s basketball, suggesting that only someone like WNBA legend Lisa Leslie has the “G-14 classification” to weigh in. He also took a jab at Griffin’s NFL career, implying his podcast controversies overshadow his athletic achievements.
Angel Reese’s Rising Star
Reese, a standout Chicago Sky player, has been a lightning rod for attention since her college days at LSU, where she faced Caitlin Clark in the 2023 NCAA championship. Now a WNBA rookie, Reese continues to shine, recently unveiling her signature Reebok shoe on the NBA 2K26 WNBA Edition cover. However, constant comparisons to Clark have fueled manufactured drama, often amplified by racial undertones.
O’Neal’s defense highlights the unfair criticism Reese endures. “Don’t pick on that little girl,” he warned Griffin. “I’m her protector. Now pick on me.” His protective stance resonates with fans who see Reese as a trailblazer navigating a challenging spotlight.
The Bigger Picture
The controversy reflects deeper issues in sports media, where Black women athletes face disproportionate scrutiny. O’Neal’s comments call for accountability, urging critics like Griffin to focus on their own lanes. His passionate defense has sparked conversations across platforms like X, where fans praise his loyalty to Reese and condemn the toxic narratives surrounding her.
As Reese continues to build her legacy, O’Neal’s message is clear: “Leave those girls alone.” For the latest updates on Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, and the WNBA, follow along on X or visit the official WNBA website.
