“I’m gonna punch you in your face,” “Leave my angel reese alone”: Shaquille O’Neal threatens Robert Griffin III

Shaquille O’Neal might be the biggest Angel Reese fan on Earth – literally and figuratively. Amid renewed criticism of Reese from certain people in the media, he’s issuing a big warning to Reese’s critics.  On the newest Off The Record podcast, Shaq called out sports podcaster and former Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III. Shaq warned that if RGIII continues to make hurtful statements about Reese, he would “punch him in the face.”

“RGIII, tweet another monkey post about my girl Angel Reese and I’m gonna punch you in your (expletive) face. K. It’s enough. Like, I don’t usually do stuff like this but stop it, bro,” Shaq said. “You got your job, you got your podcast, leave my Angel Reese alone. I’m the one calling her and telling her not to respond, (expletive) stop it. That’s the last time. K. Thank you.

“That’s not real hate,” he continued. “You look around at what’s going on in this real country, that’s hate. This is sports, I’m not supposed to like you. 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 (expletive) great. I don’t want to be remembered for Shaq’s big podcast. I do not. Like leave those girls alone. You already spoke on it. Let it go. So what? He hates her. So (expletive) what? I hate you now for messing with her. Now what? Say something about me.

“She’s not gonna respond cause I’m the one calling and telling her, ‘Baby, keep it classy.’ Cause she’s not soft, by any means, she’s from the streets. But I’m like, you’re beautiful, don’t indulge with these fools. Cause he’s a fool. You don’t even have G14 classification to say that. I would respect it more if Lisa Leslie said it. Like, that’s y’all category. Stay out of them people’s category. Like I don’t mind you doing your job, but don’t pick on that little girl. Cause guess what? I’m her protector. Now pick on me. You pick on me, I’m gonna punch you in your (expletive) face.”

NBA fans had a wide range of reactions to those comments. While some liked seeing Shaq “stand on business,” many others feel that this whole situation is just being misinterpreted.  “I love Shaq, but I am not sure I understand where he is going with this. There are female football commentators and who voice their opinions about football and all the side stories, why can’t RG3 talk about women’s basketball?” one user remarked.

“This is the only acceptable energy! Shoutout to the OG (Shaq),” wrote another.  “First, well said. Second, ‘RG II’ kills me every time,” a third said.  “What a clown.”  Let it never be said that Shaq won’t stand up for his favorite athletes.