Shaq Sparks Outrage with Remarks About Angel Reese’s Tiny Shorts

Shaquille O’Neal is catching heat for comments he made toward WNBA star Angel Reese during the latest episode of her podcast, Unapologetically Angel.

The former NBA champion commented on the revealing blue shorts Reese wore to a “Wild ‘N Out” event in Chicago, prompting widespread backlash from fans who labeled the remarks “creepy” and “perverted.”

During their conversation, Shaq suggested that Reese’s outfit could boost her marketability: “Imagine you in them same little ass shorts you had on at the ‘Wild ‘N Out’ show dunking. You know how many T-shirts you gon’ sell? You trippin’,” he told Reese, referring to the shorts that exposed part of her buttocks.

Reese, clearly uncomfortable, tried to steer the conversation in a different direction. “OK, all right, all right, all right,” she interjected, attempting to shift the topic.

O’Neal’s remarks did not sit well with fans, who criticized him for making such comments toward Reese, whom he has mentored throughout her transition from LSU to the pros

One fan on X wrote, “Shaq sexualizing Angel Reese when he’s 30 years her senior and has kids older than her,” attaching a GIF of Tiffany Haddish gagging.

Another added, “Angel Reese learned a painful lesson about men through Shaq in real time, I fear.”

Others took issue with Shaq’s reputation shielding him from criticism. “Shaq is 52 years old and has gotten a free pass for being creepy because he’s an NBA legend,” wrote another user. “Angel Reese looks at Shaq like a father figure, and he’s out here talking about her in booty shorts.”

Reese has spoken highly of her relationship with Shaq in the past, referring to him as a mentor and even a “father figure.” In a January 2024 interview with USA Today, Reese shared how much Shaq’s support meant to her: “He’s super inspiring to me. He’s been there for me through tough times. He just gets it, and there’s not a more perfect person for me to be tight with.”

She continued, “If I need anything, he would help me… He doesn’t care about me as a player, he cares about me as a person.”

O’Neal has maintained a close relationship with Reese since her rise to stardom. In October 2023, as President of Basketball Operations at Reebok, he signed Reese to a multi-year endorsement deal with the brand, further cementing their professional connection.

However, fans were quick to point out that Reese’s choice of clothing should not open her up to inappropriate remarks. One person wrote, “I’m glad people are recognizing Shaq’s creepy behavior. What I don’t like is the ‘what did she expect’ takes. She can dress however she wants without being harassed.”

So far, neither O’Neal nor Reese has addressed the backlash publicly.

How do you feel about Shaq’s comments? Was this an overstep or just a joke gone wrong? Share your thoughts in the comments below!