Hình ảnh tách đôi của Shaquille O'Neal và Rober Griffin III

Shaquille O’Neal Declares Himself Angel Reese’s Protector, Fires Warning Shot at RGIII Over WNBA Feud

Top Plays of the Day, August 7, 2025

Tensions erupted across the sports world this week when NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal leaped into the crossfire, protecting WNBA rising star Angel Reese against sharp criticism from ex-NFL quarterback turned sports analyst, Robert Griffin III.

The Spark: RGIII’s Accusations

It all began when Robert Griffin III ignited a firestorm on social media. Sharing a racist meme depicting Angel Reese as a monkey—ostensibly to condemn it—he nonetheless amplified the offensive content. Things escalated when he added a biting commentary, referencing supposed sources close to Reese claiming she “hates Caitlin Clark.”

“Angel Reese HATES Caitlin Clark… Not some basketball rivalry hate either. Hate.”
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This statement quickly drew backlash for its harsh conclusion that went beyond competition to personal animosity.

Reese and Her Mother Level the Field

Angel Reese responded swiftly and strongly:

“Lying on this app… for clout is nastyyyy work.”
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Her mother also entered the conversation, calling out RGIII’s alleged sources:

“‘Whomever U say “called” U is not in her circle… The doors are closed over here.’”
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They asserted that the narrative was media-driven and baseless—rejecting suggestions of genuine hatred.

Shaq Steps In as Protector

Then Shaquille O’Neal made an explosive appearance on the Off The Record podcast:

“RGIII: Tweet another monkey post about my girl Angel Reese and I’m gonna punch you in your fing face.”
“Leave [Reese and Caitlin Clark] alone… I hate you now [RGIII] for messing with her.”
“If you pick on me, I’m gonna punch you in your fing face,”
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Shaq’s defense went beyond sports—it was a public declaration of mentorship, love, and fierce protection for Reese.

Why It Matters: Culture, Respect, and Representation

This incident isn’t just a celebrity spat—it hits deeply on culture, media responsibility, and how female athletes (especially women of color) are treated:

Media narratives: The accusations stem from media magnification, not actual conflict.

Racial undertones: Reposting a racist edit—even with protest—adds visibility and risk harm.

Accountability: Reese, her mother, and Shaq demanded that a respected figure stop perpetuating drama.

They underscored that criticism should be fair, informed, and free of personal and cultural attack.

Community Reacts: Sports Culture on Trial

Fans, athletes, and pundits wasted no time:

Support for Reese poured in, celebrating her talent and respecting Shaq’s fierce loyalty.

Many called out RGIII for irresponsibly stoking controversy rather than spotlighting WNBA’s growth.

Discussions intensified on social media about the double standards in gendered and racialized sports commentary.

Where It All Started: Reese and Clark’s Rivalry

At the heart of this drama is one of modern WNBA’s most-watched rivalries:

In the 2023 NCAA Women’s Championship, Angel Reese taunted Caitlin Clark with the “You can’t see me” gesture, sparking backlash—and a rivalry that fans, media, and now Shaq have amplified.
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In professional circles, both players have pushed back, emphasizing that what we see on court is not personal—just competition.
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The Bigger Picture: What’s Next?

Will RGIII respond after Shaq’s bold confrontation—or will the stars align and simmer down?

Will this moment become a turning point for how media covers sensitive women’s sports issues?

Can the WNBA benefit from allies like Shaq standing guard—shifting the narrative from conflict to empowerment?

Final Thoughts

Shaq’s warning—and declaration of being Reese’s “protector”—is more than bravado. It’s a statement on solidarity, respect, and standing against media sensationalism. At its core, this event sheds light on the challenges that women athletes face navigating public scrutiny—especially when race, gender, and rivalry intersect.

Now the question remains: will the media and its loudest voices change, or will the drama just amplify with each passing moment? The WNBA—and Angel Reese—deserve better