‘I’ll punch you in the face’: Why Shaquille O’Neal is warning RGIII, what sparked his anger

Shaquille O’ Neil explodes over former NFL star’s commentary on WNBA star Angel Reese

NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal has issued a fiery warning to former NFL quarterback and media personality Robert Griffin III (RGIII), demanding he stop targeting WNBA player Angel Reese. O’Neal, speaking on the Off the Record podcast, threatened to “punch [Griffin] in the face” if he posts about Reese again, especially after Griffin shared a controversial racist image edit of Reese’s NBA 2K26 cover.

What sparked Shaquille O’Neal’s outburst?

The latest online drama began when Griffin reposted a racist edit of Reese’s WNBA 2K26 cover on social media. Although Griffin claimed he was condemning the image, his post added fuel to the already heated discourse surrounding Reese and fellow WNBA star Caitlin Clark.

Griffin further inflamed the situation by suggesting people in Reese’s circle had told him she “hates Caitlin Clark.” That comment didn’t sit well with O’Neal, who has long served as a mentor to Reese, dating back to their shared roots at LSU, and he made his stance crystal clear.

“RGIII, tweet another monkey post about my girl Angel Reese and I’m gonna punch you in your f—ing face,” Shaq said. “You got your job, your podcast, leave my Angel Reese alone. I’m the one calling her and telling her not to respond. Stop it. That’s the last time.”

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Shaquille O’Neal Protecting Angel Reese from targeted hate

O’Neal didn’t just defend Reese, he took aim at what he sees as a deeper issue: how Black women in sports, especially outspoken and successful ones like Reese, are frequently targeted in ways their peers are not.

“This is not real hate,” O’Neal said of the Reese-Clark rivalry. “You look around at what’s going on in this real country, that’s hate. This is just sports. I’m not supposed to like you on the court. But off the court, leave her alone.”

Shaq also slammed Griffin’s credibility, saying he had no business commenting on women’s basketball. “You don’t even have G14 classification to say that. I’d respect it more if Lisa Leslie said it. That’s y’all’s category,” he said. “Stay out of those people’s business.”

Angel Reese stays silent, thanks to Shaquille O’Neal

Despite the noise online, Reese has chosen not to respond directly to Griffin’s posts, a decision O’Neal says he helped guide.

“She’s not gonna respond, because I’m the one calling and telling her, ‘Baby, keep it classy,’” he explained. “She’s from the streets, but she’s beautiful. Don’t indulge these fools. He’s a fool.”

Reese and Clark have repeatedly stated that their rivalry ends on the court. But social media figures like Griffin continue to stir the pot, fueling unnecessary tension between the WNBA’s brightest young stars.

Shaquille O’Neal final message: ‘Pick on me instead’

Shaq ended his rant with a direct challenge to Griffin: “Pick on me. You pick on me, I’m gonna punch you in your f—ing face.”

As for RGIII? The ball is now in his court. Whether he continues to post about Reese, and risk Shaq’s wrath, is yet to be seen.