Shaq Threatens RGIII Over Disrespect Toward Angel Reese
*NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal made headlines on July 15, 2025, when he delivered a strong warning to Robert Griffin III (RG3) during an interview on the “Off The Record” podcast.
O’Neal threatened to “punch [Griffin] in [his] f—ing face” if he continued making disrespectful social media posts about WNBA star Angel Reese.
This explosive comment was a direct response to an ongoing online feud between RGIII and Reese, which intensified after Griffin shared a post involving a racist AI-generated image of Reese on the NBA 2K26 WNBA Edition cover. The image depicted Reese as a monkey, sparking widespread outrage.
Angel Reese and RGIII: How the Feud Began
On July 10, RGIII attempted to condemn the racist image, but added fuel to the fire by claiming people close to Reese told him she “hates” fellow WNBA player Caitlin Clark. This claim came amid the players’ well-known rivalry, particularly after a heated matchup in May 2025.
Reese and her mother quickly denied Griffin’s claims. Angel responded by calling it “nasty work,” stating no one from her circle had spoken to Griffin. The post was viewed by many as a deliberate attempt to stir controversy during a sensitive time in women’s sports.
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SHAQ warns RGIII that he will punch him in the face if he makes another disrespectful post about Angel Reese. pic.twitter.com/PThMLvDgfR
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) July 15, 2025
Shaq Steps In: “Leave My Angel Reese Alone”
Shaquille O’Neal, who has long mentored Reese and helped secure her Reebok endorsement deal, defended her fiercely. On the podcast, he made it clear that he’s tried to keep Reese from reacting publicly, but he felt it was time to address RGIII directly.
“Leave my Angel Reese alone,” Shaq said. “I’ve told her not to respond to you, but if you post about her again, I’m going to punch you in your f—ing face.”
O’Neal also rejected the narrative that Reese and Clark “hate” each other, saying it’s just a part of the game. “They’re rivals on the court — that’s it. That doesn’t mean hate,” he added.
Public Support Grows for Angel Reese and Shaq
The moment quickly went viral across social media, with fans and celebrities rallying behind Reese. Influential accounts like @ComplexSports and @DailyLoud reposted Shaq’s comments with strong support, calling it a powerful stance in protecting Black women in sports.
Alright. This has got to stop. There is no place for racism in this world. Whether you like a player or not. Angel Reese should never be called or depicted as a Monkey.
I have been quiet on the Angel Reese front because she shared a video that aided in my wife, kids, family and… pic.twitter.com/luxC7h0Rpg
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 10, 2025
Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., also weighed in. She had previously asked Griffin to stop posting about Reese, warning that his behavior could be harmful, not helpful. Former NFL player and ESPN analyst Ryan Clark questioned Griffin’s motives, asking why he seemed so focused on stirring drama around a young Black woman in sports.
Reese-Clark Rivalry Used as Media Fodder
The alleged tension between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark has been overblown by media narratives and social media commentary. What began as on-court competition has been twisted into a personal feud, often with racial undertones.
Shaq made it clear he believes the focus should be on celebrating both athletes, not pitting them against each other. “We need to stop tearing down our own,” he said, referencing how young Black women like Reese are often unfairly targeted.
RGIII’s Silence and Past Controversies Involving Shaq
As of now, RGIII has not responded to Shaquille O’Neal’s warning. His silence has left fans wondering whether he will continue addressing Reese or let the issue go.
This isn’t the first time Shaq has found himself in controversy surrounding Reese. In October 2024, he was criticized for comments some felt objectified her. Despite that, he remains a vocal protector of her career and image.
The Bigger Picture: Media, Racism, and Rivalry in Women’s Sports
This feud highlights deeper issues in sports coverage — especially how Black women are portrayed. The use of AI to create racist depictions, the amplification of unverified claims, and the constant comparison between Reese and Clark have taken a toll on public perception.
Shaq’s warning, though blunt, underscores a broader point: young athletes like Angel Reese deserve respect, support, and the space to thrive without being dragged into unnecessary online drama.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: RG3‘s Angel Reese Repost Brings Social Media Fury, Ryan Clark and Dr. Bernice King Reactions
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