Shaquille O’Neal declares to punch NFL analyst and anyone over Angel Reese criticism

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has fired back at former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III (RG3) following controversial comments the analyst made about WNBA rising star Angel Reese.

The drama erupted earlier this month when Griffin waded into the debate over Reese being selected as a cover athlete for NBA 2K26, a move that stirred mixed reactions online. While attempting to defend Reese, Griffin also amplified a racist incident in which a social media user photoshopped the game cover to depict Reese, who is African American, as a monkey. But that wasn’t all — he also claimed that Reese “hates” WNBA rival Caitlin Clark, citing alleged insider information.

Reese Fires Back, Shaq Enters the Chat

Reese responded with a cryptic but sharp post on X (formerly Twitter), seemingly aimed at Griffin. But instead of backing down, the former Heisman winner doubled down on his claims, insisting his sources were from inside Reese’s own circle.

That’s when Shaquille O’Neal had enough.

Speaking on the Off the Record podcast, the NBA Hall of Famer unleashed a passionate warning:

“RG3? Tweet another monkey post about my girl Angel Reese, and I’m going to punch you in your fing face.”*

Shaq didn’t stop there.

“I don’t usually do stuff like this, but just stop it, bro. You’ve got your job, your podcast… leave my Angel Reese alone.
I’m the one calling her and telling her not to respond. F***ing stop it. That’s the last time. Okay? Thank you.”

O’Neal made it clear that while sports rivalries are normal, Griffin had crossed the line.

“It’s not real hate. If you look at what’s going on in this real country — that’s hate. This is sports. I’m not supposed to like you!
It’s a shame that after everything you’ve done in life, you’ll be remembered for a podcast. That should tell you something.
Leave those girls alone. You already spoke on it — let it go. Don’t pick on that little girl. Because guess what?
I’m her protector now. So pick on me. And if you do, I’m going to punch you in your f***ing face.”

Griffin’s Attempt to Defend Reese Backfires

The controversy began when Griffin tried to condemn the racist image circulating online. However, in doing so, he amplified a toxic narrative and claimed that Reese harbored real-life animosity toward Caitlin Clark, based on conversations he said he had with people close to her.

That claim set off a firestorm.

Reese quickly shut it down, posting:

“Lying on this app… for clout is crazy. Everybody knows the first and last name of everybody in my circle.”

She also labeled Griffin’s behavior as “nastyyy work.”

Still, Griffin refused to let the issue go.

Griffin Defends Himself Amid Backlash

In a lengthy post on X, Griffin explained that he initially stayed quiet after Reese shared a video that led to his wife, children, and family receiving threats of violence.

“That will never be okay with me,” he wrote.
“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.”

Later, he added:

“I spoke up in support of Angel Reese against racism, not to start drama. But I won’t let anyone twist the truth just because it’s inconvenient to them.
Instead of trying to check me, just tighten up your circle. They’re the ones calling me and saying you hate Caitlin Clark — not the other way around.
I have zero interest in being the villain in anyone’s story. I just want to have fun, tell the truth, and celebrate sports. But I won’t pretend or lie just to protect feelings.”

Reese Makes History — and Headlines

Despite the controversy, Angel Reese continues to make history. The Chicago Sky rookie recently joined an elite club of WNBA players by being featured on the cover of NBA 2K26 — a groundbreaking moment in her career.

But while the achievement should’ve been a moment of celebration, it’s been clouded by controversy, sparking a much-needed conversation about race, respect, and the responsibility that comes with having a platform.