Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Shaquille O'Neal

Public opinion and media debates around Shaquille O'Neal—discover key moments of controversy.

Shaquille O'Neal, or Shaq, is a retired American professional basketball player, standing 7-foot-1 and weighing 325 pounds. He played center for six NBA teams over 19 years and won four NBA championships. Widely considered one of basketball's greatest players and centers, O'Neal is now a sports analyst on 'Inside the NBA'.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

December 17, 1996: Shoves Dennis Rodman

On December 17, 1996, O'Neal shoved Dennis Rodman of the Chicago Bulls, leading to a confrontation that was eventually diffused by other players.

November 10, 1999: O'Neal and Barkley Ejected

On November 10, 1999, during a game against the Houston Rockets, O'Neal and Charles Barkley were ejected after a physical altercation.

1999: O'Neal angered by being overlooked for FIBA AmeriCup squad

In 1999, O'Neal expressed anger at being overlooked for the FIBA AmeriCup squad.

2000: Fined for crossing picket line

During the 2000 Screen Actors Guild strike, O'Neal performed in a commercial for Disney and was fined by the union for crossing the picket line.

2001: O'Neal Fouls Out in Game 3 Against 76ers

In the 2001 NBA Finals, during Game 3 against the 76ers, O'Neal fouled out while backing over Dikembe Mutombo, the Defensive Player of the Year.

January 2002: O'Neal Involved in On-Court Brawl

In January 2002, O'Neal was involved in a brawl during a game against the Chicago Bulls, resulting in a suspension and fine after punching Brad Miller.

2002: Sacramento Kings Rivalry

During the 2002 victory parade, after the Lakers beat the Kings in a tough seven-game series, O'Neal declared that Sacramento would never be the capital of California, fueling the rivalry between the Lakers and the Sacramento Kings.

2002: O'Neal Accuses Kings of Cheating

In 2002, during the Western Conference finals against the Sacramento Kings, O'Neal accused the Kings of cheating, specifically referencing Vlade Divac's alleged flopping.

2004: Tension Between O'Neal and Bryant Escalates

In 2004, tension between O'Neal and Bryant peaked during training camp as Bryant criticized O'Neal's fitness, leadership, and salary demands in an interview.

2004: Lakers Lose to Pistons in NBA Finals and O'Neal Demands Trade

In 2004, the Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, after which O'Neal, angered by comments from Lakers management and the departure of Phil Jackson, demanded a trade due to increasing tension and a perceived focus on appeasing Bryant.

2005: Compared play to Erick Dampier

During the 2005 NBA playoffs, O'Neal compared his poor play to Erick Dampier, a Dallas Mavericks center who had failed to score a single point in one of their recent games.

2005: Kobe Bryant Feud

In the summer of 2005, when asked about Kobe Bryant, O'Neal responded, "I'm sorry, who?" and continued to pretend that he did not know who Bryant was until well into the 2005–06 season.

2006: O'Neal's injury and criticism of Jackson

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal missed 35 games due to a left knee injury that required surgery. Following a Christmas Day game against the Lakers, O'Neal criticized Phil Jackson, his former coach, calling him "Benedict Arnold". Jackson had previously questioned O'Neal's work ethic. The Miami Heat struggled during O'Neal's absence. Later in the year, O'Neal reached 25,000 career points, becoming the 14th NBA player to reach that milestone.

February 2008: Altercation with Riley and trade decision

In February 2008, O'Neal had an altercation with coach Pat Riley during a practice over Riley's handling of a tardy player. The argument became physical, leading Riley to decide to trade O'Neal.

June 2008: Deputyship Revoked

In June 2008, the Bedford County, Virginia, and Maricopa County, Arizona, sheriff departments revoked O'Neal's special deputyship after a video surfaced of him rapping about Kobe Bryant and using racial slurs.

June 22, 2008: Diss Rap About Kobe Bryant

On June 22, 2008, O'Neal freestyled a diss rap about Kobe Bryant in a New York club, blaming Bryant for his divorce and taunting him for not winning a championship without him. He led the audience to mockingly chant several times "Kobe, tell me how my ass tastes".

March 3, 2009: Matchup against Dwight Howard

On March 3, 2009, in a game against Orlando, O'Neal was outscored by Dwight Howard. O'Neal also engaged in flopping, which drew criticism from Magic coach Stan Van Gundy.

July 2017: Diss Track Aimed at LaVar Ball

In July 2017, O'Neal released a diss track aimed at LaVar Ball, the father of NBA point guard Lonzo Ball, in response to Ball's claims about beating O'Neal and his son in basketball.