Shaquille O'Neal Threatens Former NFL Star Over Angel Reese

Newsweek

5 days ago

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The social media drama between former Washington Commanders quarterback Robert Griffin III and Chicago Sky star Angel Reese just got a lot more serious.
This time, 7-foot-1, 325-pound Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O'Neal is getting involved, and he had some serious words for Griffin III after his latest post on X, in which he insinuated that Reese was responsible for his family receiving death threats.
"I have been quiet on the Angel Reese front because she shared a video that aided in my wife, kids, family and friends receiving death threats, threats of physical harm to my family and friends and threats of sexual violence to my children on social media and beyond," Griffin III posted on X on July 10.
"That will never be okay with me. I never attacked her or her family when I stated and backed up with clear basketball evidence that Angel Reese hates Caitlin Clark. It's sports. Everybody won't like each other. ... All that being said, Angel Reese or any Black man or woman should never be called or depicted as a Monkey. Ever."
Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky looks on against the Dallas Wings during the first half at Wintrust Arena on July 09, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky looks on against the Dallas Wings during the first half at Wintrust Arena on July 09, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.More WNBA: Chicago Sky Make Big Angel Reese Announcement After Loss to Lynx
While Griffin's message was part of a longer post actually defending Reese from a racist message about her not deserving to be the cover athlete of the "NBA 2K26" video game, he used the opportunity to also call her out, which O'Neal took great offense to.
During an appearance on the "Off the Record" podcast, O'Neal warned Griffin III about dragging Reese's name in the media again.
"RGIII, tweet another monkey post about my girl Angel Reese, and I'm going to punch you in you [expletive] face," O'Neal said. "OK? It's enough. I don't usually do stuff like this, but just stop it, bro. You got your job, you got your podcast, just leave my Angel Reese alone. I'm the one calling her and telling her not to respond. [Expletive] stop it — that's the last time. OK? Thank you."
Shaquille O'Neal attends the Shaquille O'Neal Big Pod Event at Home Room San Antonio on April 05, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas.
Shaquille O'Neal attends the Shaquille O'Neal Big Pod Event at Home Room San Antonio on April 05, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas.More WNBA: Caitlin Clark Makes WNBA History Against Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings
O'Neal has been a fierce supporter and advocate for Reese for years.
He's been one of the louder voices defending the LSU alum from criticism from many sports media pundits who played into the Clark-Reese rivalry for much of their rookie seasons.
O'Neal defended Reese's actions from earlier this season after she went after Clark following a hard foul in the season opener while taking a second shot at Griffin III.
"It's not real hate," O'Neal said. "You look around what's going around in this real country, that's hate. This is sports. I'm not supposed to like you.
"It's a shame that all the stuff you did in your life, you're going to be remembered for your podcast. You're going to be remembered for your podcast. That should tell you you're not that [expletive] great."