Shaquille O’Neal threatens RGIII over comments about Angel Reese [VIDEO]

Shaq Defends Angel Reese in Heated Rant Targeting RGIII

NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal is making headlines after unleashing a fiery rebuke against former NFL quarterback turned analyst Robert Griffin III (RGIII), over what Shaq sees as persistent and harmful commentary directed at WNBA star Angel Reese.

The outburst came during a podcast segment for “Off The Record” with Bailey Jackson and Lachelle Smith, which has since gone viral across social media, racking up nearly 700,000 views and over 11,000 likes on X (formerly Twitter). In the clip, Shaq doesn’t hold back.

“RG3? Tweet another monkey post about my girl Angel Reese and I’m punching your face,” Shaq said bluntly. He went on to demand RGIII “leave Angel Reese alone,” calling the commentary disrespectful and out of line.

A Boiling Point in a Heated Discourse

The video is a culmination of weeks of online debate swirling around Angel Reese, a Chicago Sky rookie whose fierce on-court demeanor has earned both praise and criticism. Much of the backlash, especially in contrast to media darling Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever, has ignited conversations about race, gender, and double standards in sports.

RGIII, who has been actively commenting on the WNBA this season, previously shared a controversial tweet featuring a racist meme that portrayed Reese as a chimpanzee on a spoof NBA 2K26 cover. RGIII’s intent was to condemn the image—writing, “This has got to stop… Angel Reese should never be called or depicted as a Monkey… If you hate Angel Reese because she is Black, you are the problem.” However, Shaq interpreted the act of sharing it as amplifying the negativity rather than denouncing it.

Shaq’s Personal Stake in the Matter

Shaq’s passionate defense stems not only from his advocacy for fair treatment of Black women athletes but also from his direct ties to Reese. As an executive at Reebok, Shaq played a role in signing Angel Reese to a signature shoe deal. He’s frequently voiced his support for her both on and off the court.

In the interview, he revealed that he had personally reached out to Reese. Thus, encouraging her to ignore critics and maintain grace under pressure. “I told her, don’t respond, don’t say anything, keep it classy,” Shaq said.

He also took shots at RGIII’s credentials to speak on WNBA issues, saying he doesn’t have “G-14 classification” to critique someone like Reese. “If Lisa Leslie says something, I’ll listen. But RGIII? You’re remembered more for your podcast than your football career.”

The Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark Rivalry

The underlying issue continues to be the public and media’s framing of the rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. Their on-court battles, particularly from their college days, have followed them into the WNBA. As a result, every encounter they have is magnified by the public.

Clark has often been celebrated for her fiery competitiveness. However, Reese has faced criticism for similar behaviors, such as trash-talking or expressive celebrations. Many see this as a racially coded double standard, with Black women athletes frequently subjected to scrutiny their white counterparts are spared.

RGIII’s Position

Despite being at the center of Shaq’s ire, RGIII has insisted that he supports Angel Reese. In his original tweet containing the offensive image, he clearly condemned the racism and called for it to end. He later stated that his criticism of Reese’s perceived dislike for Caitlin Clark was rooted in basketball observations and discussions with insiders, not personal bias.

However, critics argue that his approach has, whether intentionally or not, fanned the flames of a toxic online discourse targeting Reese. As a result, people like Shaq are speaking out. Not only is he her business partner at Reebok, he is also a longtime supporter.

Social Media Reaction: Split Down the Middle

The public’s response to Shaq’s video has been divided, reflecting the broader tensions in the WNBA conversation.

Supporters of Shaq applauded him for using his platform to protect and uplift a Black female athlete, especially in a league where such voices are often absent.

• “Shaq standing on business. 1 of the few Black celeb men speaking up for Angel,” wrote one user.
• “That’s how you show support. Say what you want, but Angel needed this,” said another.

Critics of Shaq argued that issuing a physical threat was unprofessional, no matter the intent.

• “Shaq always been a big simp,” one commenter said.
• “You had a point until you threatened the man. Come on now.”

Larger Themes: Support vs. Silence

Shaq’s outburst has reignited the ongoing debate around the role of male athletes and celebrities in defending women—especially Black women—from targeted harassment.

Some fans have pointed out that despite the frequent backlash Angel Reese receives, few male sports figures have spoken out in her defense until now. Shaq’s support has been cast as an example of what it means to publicly stand against racist and sexist attacks.

At the same time, the incident also underscores the complicated dynamics of intent versus impact in online commentary. While RGIII may have meant no harm, the perception of his posts and the fallout that followed reveal how high the stakes are in an era of instant virality and heightened sensitivities.

Final Word

Whether one agrees with Shaq’s tone or not, his message is clear: athletes and public figures have a responsibility to use their platforms wisely, and that includes how they speak about rising stars like Angel Reese.

Shaq’s decision to not only call out what he sees as damaging behavior but also stand in direct protection of a young Black woman athlete is being heralded by many as necessary and overdue.

The fallout has also exposed the murky lines between critique and harm, especially when dealing with marginalized voices in sports. Angel Reese is only in her second year. However, she has already become a symbol of this broader discussion. As media attention swells and rivalries intensify, so too will the scrutiny. Therefore, making the support she receives all the more crucial.

Shaquille O’Neal’s defense might not be perfect. However, in a moment where silence has often been the default, his loud and emotional reaction ensures that the conversation around fairness, representation, and dignity in women’s sports continues to be heard. And sometimes, being heard is the first step toward real change.