Shaquille O’Neal isn’t mincing words when it comes to protecting Angel Reese.
The NBA legend, Hall of Famer, and longtime mentor to Reese let loose on a recent episode of the Off The Recordpodcast, aiming his frustration directly at former NFL quarterback and current media figure Robert Griffin III (RGIII). Shaq’s message? Stop posting inflammatory content about Angel Reese — or face the consequences.
“RGIII, tweet another monkey post about my girl Angel Reese and I’m gonna punch you in your f—ing face,” Shaq said. “It’s enough.”
What Set Shaq Off
The tipping point came after Griffin reposted a disturbing racist edit of Angel Reese featured on a fake NBA 2K26 cover. Although Griffin claimed he was highlighting racism, many—including Shaq—saw it as another example of him fanning the flames of an already toxic conversation.
Reese, now one of the most talked-about players in the WNBA, has drawn relentless attention since her college rivalry with Caitlin Clark. That on-court competition has evolved into a national media spectacle, often laced with racial and sexist undertones.
Shaq, who shares LSU roots with Reese, made it clear he’s had enough of the nonsense—and he’s ready to step in.
“Leave my Angel Reese alone,” Shaq demanded. “I’m the one calling her and telling her not to respond. F—ing stop it. That’s the last time. K. Thank you.”
Calling Out the Real Hate
O’Neal emphasized that the tension between Reese and Clark isn’t real hate—it’s just sports.
“You look around at what’s going on in this real country, that’s hate,” he said. “This is sports. I’m not supposed to like you [on the court].”
Then he turned the criticism back on Griffin, noting that his provocative podcast antics are overshadowing anything he accomplished on the field.
“It’s a shame that all the stuff you did in your life, you’re gonna be remembered for your podcast. That should tell you you’re not that f—ing great.”
Shaq the Protector
O’Neal made it clear that he’s playing a hands-on role in mentoring Reese, advising her not to respond to social media drama and reminding her to “stay classy.” But he also reminded listeners—and Griffin—that she’s no pushover.
“She’s not soft, by any means. She’s from the streets. But I tell her, ‘You’re beautiful. Don’t indulge with these fools.’”
And then came the challenge: if RGIII wants to keep stirring things up, Shaq says to take it up with him directly.
“You don’t even have G14 classification to say that. Stay out of their category. Pick on me. You pick on me, I’m gonna punch you in your f—ing face.”