Shaquille O’Neal appeared on the Off the Record podcast (aired July 15–16, 2025) and strongly warned Robert Griffin III to “leave my Angel Reese alone.” He was particularly incensed that RGIII had reposted a racist meme depicting Reese and fueled rumors that she “hates” Caitlin Clark. Shaq told RGIII, “tweet another monkey post about my girl Angel Reese, and I’m gonna punch you in your f‑‑‑ing face,” and said he’s been advising Reese not to respond publicly—“I’m her protector. Now pick on me.”
RGIII’s original post was meant to condemn racism, but his decision to share the edited image was widely denounced for amplifying the content, and Reese subsequently denied any animosity toward Clark.
Shaq, an LSU alum who helped guide Reese into the WNBA and now serves as Reebok’s basketball president, emphasized that RGIII has no “classification” or experience to weigh in on women’s basketball—“I would respect it more if Lisa Leslie said it.” He argued that real-world hate is far more pressing than the sports rivalries RGIII is obsessing over.
🔥 Key Points
Shaq’s stance: Firmly backing Reese, calling out RGIII’s actions, and willing to take personal responsibility (“punch you in your face”) to protect her.
RGIII’s justification: Claimed he shared to highlight racism and not for clout, referencing threats made toward his family after Reese posted a video.
Reese’s response: Denied any hatred toward Clark and called the inner-circle claims “nasty work.
This incident highlights how influential figures like Shaq are stepping up in defense of athletes like Angel Reese, especially when online discourse veers into racism or misrepresentation. It also underscores the responsibility public commentators hold when sharing controversial content—evenÂ
