*Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal‘s recent comments about WNBA star Angel Reese have sparked significant outrage on social media, raising questions about the boundaries of appropriate discussion concerning women athletes.
During his guest appearance on Reese’s podcast, “Unapologetically Angel,” O’Neal (52) made remarks regarding Reese’s attire while she was filming a segment for Nick Cannon’s “Wild ‘N Out.” The 22-year-old pro-bball star was seen wearing a light blue crop top and matching shorts, prompting O’Neal to share unsolicited marketing advice that many perceived as inappropriate.
“Imagine you in them same little a** shorts you had on at the Wild N’ Out show dunking. You know how many T-shirts you gone sell? You tripping,”Shaq told her.
Reese’s discomfort was palpable as O’Neal continued to comment on her outfit and the visual implications of her dunking in such revealing clothing. Despite her attempts to shift the conversation to more neutral topics, O’Neal’s fixation on her shorts persisted, which many viewers found unsettling.
Shaq tells Angel Reese that, unless certain players are playing, watching a WNBA game is like watching a high school game, and says the WNBA needs to lower the hoop so women can dunk, and then they will get paid like NBA players.
(🎥 Unapologetically Angel/YouTube) pic.twitter.com/mtYycR4Wct
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) October 25, 2024
The clip from the podcast quickly went viral, leading to widespread condemnation of O’Neal’s behavior, with critics labeling his comments as “creepy” and accusing him of objectifying Reese.
The backlash was swift and intense, with many advocating for the TNT Network to take action against the former basketball player, calling for his suspension or even dismissal due to what they described as overt misogyny. Commentary from social media users was particularly harsh; women voiced their concerns that O’Neal’s remarks constituted sexual harassment in front of a large audience, disrupting the safe space that should exist for female athletes.
However, O’Neal’s comments also received a measure of support from some quarters, largely from male commentators who argued that Reese’s choice of attire was provocative and thereby invited such attention. This victim-blaming stance intensified the critique revolving around the conversation, with many asserting that O’Neal should have recognized the potential impact of his words, regardless of Reese’s outfit choice. Comments on social media reflected a deep frustration with O’Neal’s remarks, with one user pointing out the inherent problem with older men failing to grasp how their words can be perceived: “My issue with men is that they ‘forget’ how old they are which also aids in them being creeps.”
Another comment drew parallels to Chris Rock’s past remarks, suggesting that O’Neal’s disconnection from the realities of younger women’s experiences dated him as out of touch. Such reflections have raised broader questions about age, masculinity, and the responsibility of public figures to model respectful behavior.
One user articulated the broader implications of Shaq’s conduct, stating, “Shaq has been incredibly creepy since he used to get laughs alongside him post-divorce.” They noted a concerning pattern wherein O’Neal seems to pursue attention from much younger women, further complicating the optics surrounding his advice to Reese and the responsibility he carries as a public figure.
As the situation continues to unfold, it serves as a critical reminder of the importance of respect and appropriateness in discussions involving female athletes and public figures. The diverse reactions mark not just a moment of backlash against an individual but also spotlight ongoing conversations about gender dynamics, the portrayal of women in sports, and the societal expectations that govern those interactions.
The incident has mobilized discussions about how society views athletes—especially women—and highlights the need for a cultural shift that respects personal agency and expression without compromising dignity.
Ultimately, the repercussions of this controversy echo the sentiments of many who advocate for a more respectful dialogue surrounding women in sports, especially as they navigate their careers in the public eye.
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