NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal has cautioned former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III against continuing his commentary on WNBA player Angel Reese, threatening physical retaliation.
The incident unfolded on July 15, 2025, during O’Neal’s appearance on the “Off The Record” podcast. This followed Griffin’s social media post featuring a racially insensitive edited image of Reese’s NBA 2K26 cover, depicting her as a monkey. The post has sparked widespread condemnation.
O’Neal, who played a mentorship role for Reese during her time at Louisiana State University (LSU), addressed Griffin directly on the podcast. “RGIII, tweet another monkey post about my girl Angel Reese and I’m gonna punch you in your (expletive) face,” O’Neal stated. “K. It’s enough.”
The controversy is fueled by Griffin’s repeated assertions that Reese, a forward for the Chicago Sky, harbors animosity toward Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark. Griffin has made these claims on both his podcast and social media, alleging insider information from Reese’s circle.
Reese and her mother have refuted Griffin’s allegations, labeling them as false and attention-seeking. Reese took to social media to discredit Griffin’s statements.
O’Neal emphasized his advice to Reese to ignore such provocations. “I’m the one calling her and telling her not to respond, (expletive) stop it. That’s the last time. K. Thank you,” O’Neal reiterated on the podcast.
He also critiqued Griffin’s media career, suggesting that his controversial podcast remarks may overshadow his athletic accomplishments. O’Neal expressed that Griffin’s enduring legacy might be defined by his podcast rather than his sporting feats.
Griffin’s contentious post on July 10 followed Reese’s announcement as the cover athlete for NBA 2K26’s WNBA edition. This marked Reese’s first video game cover appearance, coinciding with the launch of her signature Reebok footwear.
In his post, Griffin claimed that he had refrained from speaking about Reese until now due to alleged threats against his family stemming from content she reportedly shared. While condemning the racist imagery, Griffin maintained his previous statements about Reese’s purported feelings toward Clark.
The rivalry between Reese and Clark dates back to their college basketball days and continues into the WNBA. Both athletes have publicly confirmed that any competitive tension remains on the court, despite ongoing media speculation.
O’Neal’s connection with Reese extends beyond LSU, as he currently serves as president of Reebok, the brand behind Reese’s signature shoe. This professional link further underscores his protective stance.
The four-time NBA champion reiterated his aim to shield Reese from unnecessary distractions, advising her to remain focused on her career with the Chicago Sky.
Griffin’s remarks have faced backlash from figures beyond sports, including Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., who criticized Griffin’s handling of the Reese-Clark rivalry.
This controversy highlights broader issues concerning media coverage of Black female athletes. O’Neal questioned Griffin’s authority to comment on women’s basketball, proposing that former WNBA players possess greater credibility.
Reese has encountered increased scrutiny during her WNBA tenure. The league previously investigated allegations of racist fan behavior toward her, although no evidence was found. Many WNBA players report experiencing racist and misogynistic attacks, impacting their mental well-being.
The 22-year-old Reese is emerging as a prominent WNBA figure. She recently became the fastest player in league history to attain 1,500 points and 1,500 rebounds, along with achieving the quickest 40 double-doubles. Currently, she averages 13.3 points and 12.8 rebounds per game for the Sky this season.
Zak Armitage, NBA 2K’s general manager, explained Reese’s selection for the cover, noting the game’s celebration of bold and confident players. Reese joins a prestigious group of cover athletes, following Candace Parker, Diana Taurasi, and A’ja Wilson.
Social media users have largely supported O’Neal’s defense of Reese, with many praising his actions as an example of veteran athletes safeguarding younger colleagues from inappropriate commentary.
As of Tuesday evening, Griffin has not responded to O’Neal’s warning. Given his active social media presence, a response is anticipated. This incident reflects broader discussions about shielding young athletes from racist imagery and inappropriate commentary in sports media.
During the podcast, O’Neal removed his sunglasses and addressed the camera directly, expressing the unusual nature of his public statement but feeling compelled to address Griffin’s actions.
In May, Griffin had claimed that Reese disliked Clark following a physical play during their professional game. Despite both players affirming that their rivalry is strictly professional, Griffin continues to promote this narrative.
