Shaquille O’Neal, the legendary NBA star, has sparked an online debate after sharing some controversial remarks regarding WNBA player Angel Reese and her choice of attire. In a recent episode of Reese’s podcast, “Unapologetically Angel,” the 52-year-old former athlete offered ideas he thought might help female basketball players earn a more substantial income and reach the same financial level as their male counterparts in the NBA. However, his comments, especially those related to Reese’s clothing, did not sit well with many listeners.
During the podcast, O’Neal referenced an outfit Reese wore on “Nick Cannon Presents: Wild ‘n Out,” a sketch comedy show known for its battle rap and improv segments. Reese appeared on the show dressed in a matching gray top and shorts set.
O’Neal suggested that incorporating this type of outfit into her brand might be a savvy marketing move. Specifically, he proposed the idea of her wearing similar attire while performing a slam dunk, adding, “Imagine you had on the same little shorts you had on at ‘Wild ‘n Out’ show dunking. How many T-shirts you gon’ sell?”
O’Neal’s suggestion was met with an immediate reaction from Reese, who was noticeably uncomfortable with the topic. She raised her voice, clearly expressing her disapproval, stating she wasn’t interested in “imagining anything” along those lines. Nevertheless, O’Neal persisted, even repeating his idea with apparent enthusiasm. Reese repeatedly attempted to divert the conversation, expressing frustration by interrupting with a firm, “OK, all right, all right.”
This exchange quickly attracted criticism from fans and social media users who found O’Neal’s comments uncomfortable and inappropriate. Many pointed out that O’Neal’s remarks seemed to sexualize Reese, who is 30 years his junior. Some fans took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to voice their concerns, with one user remarking, “We keep calling it weird, but it’s actually perverted and clear that Shaq is sexualizing her.” Another post shared a clip of the exchange, highlighting Reese’s apparent discomfort with the comments.
The incident also led to a broader discussion on social media about the treatment of female athletes and the criticism they face for their wardrobe choices. Supporters of Reese argued that she should be able to dress confidently and express herself without being subjected to such comments. One fan criticized those who blamed Reese for O’Neal’s remarks, posting, “I’m glad people are recognizing Shaq’s creepy behavior. What I don’t like is some people following up with ‘Well if Angel dresses like that, what does she expect.’ She can dress sexy and still not want to be sexually harassed.”
The exchange between O’Neal and Reese didn’t only cover her attire. The two also discussed the notable pay disparity between NBA and WNBA players, which has long been a contentious issue. The base salary for a WNBA rookie like Caitlin Clark, for instance, is around $76,535, a stark contrast to the multimillion-dollar contracts seen in the NBA. O’Neal, aiming to brainstorm solutions, proposed the idea of lowering the WNBA rim slightly to allow more opportunities for dunks, which he believed could increase the game’s entertainment value and potentially bridge the gender pay gap. Yet, Reese was unimpressed by this suggestion, openly disagreeing and stating her dislike for this recurring idea. She argued that the issue goes beyond dunking, adding, “People always disrespect women regardless. They’re always not gonna give us the same value as a man.”
O’Neal also referenced Clark, emphasizing that certain “never-before-seen” elements in the women’s game, such as Clark’s three-point shots from the logo, could drive interest. He suggested that the lack of these kinds of plays is one reason women’s basketball has not achieved the same visibility and fan engagement as the NBA, further stating, “A pretty girl dunking on the rim, I would watch that all day.” Reese, despite her initial frustration, managed a laugh, but fans online were not as amused. Many perceived his remarks as reinforcing stereotypes rather than genuinely supporting the growth of women’s sports.
The incident has spurred reflection on O’Neal’s career and personal life as well. Previously married to Shaunie Henderson, O’Neal’s relationship history and issues with commitment have been publicly discussed. Henderson, who married O’Neal in 2002, divorced him in 2011 after they had briefly reconciled a prior separation. Henderson later revealed that O’Neal’s tendency to “go missing” made her question whether she ever truly loved him. The former couple shares four children, while O’Neal has an additional child from a prior relationship.
Overall, the controversy surrounding O’Neal’s comments highlights the ongoing challenges female athletes face in their efforts to achieve respect and recognition on par with their male counterparts. It also underscores the importance of addressing these issues with sensitivity and understanding, especially from figures who hold influential positions in the sports world. The incident has sparked a much-needed conversation on how women in sports are perceived and treated, reinforcing the sentiment that they should be valued for their athletic abilities and contributions rather than subjected to suggestive commentary based on appearance.
