Shaquille O’Neal, a Hall of Famer known for his NBA success and off-court influence, recently took a strong stand defending Angel Reese after a racially charged attack stirred controversy. The four-time NBA champion addressed the issue during his appearance on Off the Record, confronting former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III about his controversial comments linked to Reese. This confrontation has drawn significant attention amid the ongoing debate on racism in sports.
Robert Griffin III’s Misguided Response to Racist Imagery
The incident began when a racist social media post depicted Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky star, as a monkey in the context of the WNBA edition of NBA 2K26. Robert Griffin III condemned the racist image but complicated his response by claiming that someone close to Reese told him she “hates” fellow player Caitlin Clark. This claim provoked widespread criticism and accusations that Griffin was spreading misinformation and misrepresenting the situation.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Direct Warning to RGIII
Visibly upset, Shaquille O’Neal demanded that Griffin cease his remarks about Angel Reese, showing rare and serious anger on the topic. Shaq said with a stern expression,
RGIII, tweet another monkey post about my girl, Angel Reese, I’m going to punch you in your f****** face,
followed by,
It’s enough. Like, I don’t usually do stuff like this, but just stop it, bro. You got your job; you got your podcast. Leave my Angel Reese alone.
Angel Reese’s Mother Challenges Griffin’s Claims
Adding to the backlash, Angel Reese’s mother publicly confronted Robert Griffin III on X, disputing his assertion that someone close to Reese made disparaging comments about Caitlin Clark. She firmly rejected the idea that any trusted member of Reese’s tight circle would speak negatively about the player’s feelings toward the rivalry. She stated,
Man stop with the [cap emoji]. My daughter’s ‘circle’ is so small & tight, so I’d be interested 2 know who called U,
and further emphasized,
Whomever U say ‘called’ U is not in her circle 2 speak on her feelings towards a media/fandom made up beef. Just stay on that side bc the doors are closed over here,
underscoring the personal nature of the dispute and rejecting Griffin’s narrative.
Escalation of the Reese-Clark Rivalry Amid Public Criticism
The tension between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark has a long history dating back to their earlier competitive matchups before joining the WNBA. Their rivalry often features emotional exchanges typical of fierce competition. However, Robert Griffin III’s involvement and comments have shifted focus away from basketball to off-court drama, drawing rebuke from sports figures like Ryan Clark and Imani McGee-Stafford who accuse him of obsessing over Reese and fueling unnecessary conflict.
Implications and Future Considerations for Robert Griffin III
At 35 years old, Robert Griffin III is leveraging his platform post-NFL career to build a presence in media and podcasting. However, his recent conduct serves as a cautionary example of how commentary must be carefully weighed, especially when it involves sensitive issues like racism and personal attacks between athletes. Shaquille O’Neal’s strict warning highlights the need for respect and responsibility in public discourse, particularly when defending or discussing young sports figures like Angel Reese moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What caused Angel Reese’s injury?
A. Reese shared in a TikTok video that she injured her hand after falling during a play. She explained, “I got a small bone crack from falling back on my hand.”
The doctors informed her that she has two choices: undergo surgery or opt not to have it.
Q. Does Angel Reese have a 1.6 GPA?
A. Reese finished her degree at LSU in March 2024, focusing on Communication Studies, Leadership Development, and Psychology as part of Interdisciplinary Studies. To graduate, she achieved at least the minimum GPA of 2.0 needed for undergraduates.
Q. What did Angel Reese’s parents do?
A. Angel’s skills in basketball come from her parents, who both have experience playing at the college level and in professional leagues.