Shaquille O’Neal Issues Strong Warning to RGIII Over Angel Reese Comments: “Tweet Another Monkey Post About My Girl, and I’ll Punch You in the Face!”

Standing Up for Angel Reese: Shaquille O’Neal’s Powerful Message to RGIII

Shaquille O’Neal is known for many things: his thunderous dunks, his towering presence on and off the NBA court, his unmistakable humor, and his undeniable compassion. But in a world that teeters between support and harsh criticism for young Black athletes, Shaq’s protective side came out in full force when he perceived a line being crossed regarding Angel Reese, one of women’s basketball’s most charismatic—and most scrutinized—stars.

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The spark that led to this moment was as modern as it comes: a tweet. Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III, better known as RGIII, is no stranger to social media controversy. Charismatic and outspoken, he has built a following with his quick takes and rapid-fire posts about sports and culture. On this occasion, however, his social commentary went too far for the basketball legend.

RGIII had posted a tweet that, according to many, carried racial undertones, referencing Angel Reese with a phrase and imagery that many interpreted as demeaning. Within minutes, the tweet had gone viral, sparking outrage across the sports world and beyond. For Shaq, who has watched Angel Reese grow into one of women’s basketball’s brightest stars and vocal personalities, enough was enough.

The story truly exploded on a crisp spring evening when Shaquille O’Neal sat down for a podcast interview with Bailey Jackson on the acclaimed “Off the Record” show. The interview was intended to be a reflective dive into Shaq’s post-basketball career and growing investments in the next generation. But as the questions delved into the current landscape of women’s basketball—and, inevitably, into the media circus swirling around young players like Angel Reese—the temperature in the room began to rise.

Bailey Jackson asked, “Shaq, as someone who’s mentored so many young athletes, how do you feel about the way Angel Reese has been treated lately, especially online?”

Shaq took a long breath, leaning forward in his chair, his deep-set eyes narrowing, and for a moment, the jovial giant was replaced by the lion. “Listen,” he said, voice measured, “Angel is more than just an athlete. She’s got fire. She’s got spirit. And she’s got people trying to put her down every step of the way.”

He paused before continuing, “And RGIII—yeah, I saw your tweet. Tweet another monkey post about my girl Angel Reese, and I’m gonna punch you in your f-ing face. OK? It’s enough.”

The room fell silent. Bailey Jackson, always poised, looked startled—knowing the quote would reverberate throughout the sports world. And it did.

Within hours, Shaq’s bold declaration was trending. Media outlets pounced on his statement, some calling it the ultimate show of support, others debating whether his tone was too harsh. But across the basketball community—and among audiences tired of coded language and disrespect toward athletes of color—Shaq’s words rang like a bell of righteous fury.

A Deeper Story: More Than Just a Tweet

Those who have followed Angel Reese’s career weren’t surprised to see her defended so fiercely by a legend like Shaq. Reese, known for her unapologetic confidence and expressive celebrations, had become both a hero and a lightning rod. She’s faced criticism for everything from her trash talk to her exuberant style of play—things that, in the eyes of her supporters, should be celebrated as part of the game’s evolution.

Angel herself took the storm in stride. Moments after Shaq’s words were posted, she tweeted a simple heart and lion emoji—no words, just the universal symbol of gratitude and strength. For thousands of fans, it was a reminder that even the fiercest warriors sometimes need their champions, too.

Pro athletes and media personalities began to weigh in. NBA Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie tweeted, “Protect Black women, at all costs. Period. Thank you, Shaq.” Caitlin Clark, a star on the rise in women’s basketball herself, expressed support for Reese and spoke about the double standard female athletes—especially Black women—face in the spotlight.

But for Shaq, this was about more than just a single incident. In follow-up interviews, he elaborated on why he had been compelled to respond so forcefully.

“Every time a young Black woman steps up, celebrates herself, it seems like there’s always someone ready to take her down a notch,” Shaq remarked during a special segment on TNT. “When I see Angel Reese, I see my daughters. I see my sisters. I see all the girls who want to be heard and respected for who they are—not just what they do on the court or the field. We can’t let people get away with disrespect, not anymore.”

The Backlash and Reflection

Predictably, there were those who tried to turn the situation into a culture war battleground. Some accused Shaq of “overreacting” or bringing “violence” into the conversation. Others doubled down on defending RGIII, claiming the tweet was misinterpreted or “taken out of context.”

But the pulse of the moment beat in the opposite direction. Comment sections flooded with testimonies from fans and young athletes inspired by Shaq’s stance. Parents wrote about their daughters, who finally saw a megastar standing up publicly against coded language and subtle racism.

Angel Reese herself spoke about the situation a few days later, during a press scrum before a big playoff game. Calm, collected, and unwavering, she said, “Shaq knows what it’s like. He’s defended, he’s inspired, and he’s stood up for everyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t have a voice. I’m grateful, but I’m also focused. Focused on winning, focused on representing myself and my team the right way.”

The game that followed was one of her best all season. She dominated the court, playing with a freedom that electrified both the crowd in the arena and the millions watching at home. Afterward, Shaq sent her a bouquet of purple-and-gold flowers, with a note: “Keep shining. The world is watching.”

The Lesson and the Legacy

Ultimately, the story was never just about a single tweet or even two celebrities clashing across the internet. It was a rare moment when the power dynamics of sports, culture, and race intersected—and a call from a legend to challenge the narratives that keep rising stars from reaching their full potential.

Shaquille O’Neal’s warning wasn’t violence for violence’s sake, but the kind of fierce, necessary protection that says: “Enough is enough.” His words set a standard for how we should all stand up, not just for stars like Angel Reese, but for anyone whose brilliance is dimmed by ignorance or disrespect.

And perhaps most importantly, in that podcast studio and all over the world, a new generation of athletes saw that, no matter how high you climb, there are those who will have your back—loudly, unapologetically, and with the heart of a lion.