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, known as Shaq, is a retired American professional basketball player and current sports analyst. Standing at 7-foot-1 and weighing 325 pounds, he played center for six NBA teams over his 19-year career. A four-time NBA champion, O'Neal is widely considered one of basketball's greatest players and centers of all time.

Sections (7)

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

December 17, 1996: Shoving Dennis Rodman

On December 17, 1996, Shaquille O'Neal shoved Dennis Rodman of the Chicago Bulls during a game.

November 10, 1999: Ejection with Charles Barkley

On November 10, 1999, during a game against the Houston Rockets, Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley were ejected after a physical altercation that began with O'Neal blocking Barkley's layup.

1999: Anger Over FIBA AmeriCup Omission

In 1999, O'Neal expressed anger and a sense of "lack of respect" after being overlooked for the FIBA AmeriCup squad.

2000: Screen Actors Guild Strike Fine

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

2001: Fouling Out in NBA Finals

During Game 3 of the 2001 NBA Finals against the 76ers, O'Neal fouled out after backing over Dikembe Mutombo, the 2000-2001 Defensive Player of the Year, leading to O'Neal's criticism of Mutombo's alleged flopping.

January 2002: On-Court Brawl and Suspension

In January 2002, O'Neal was involved in a brawl during a game against the Chicago Bulls, resulting in a three-game suspension and a $15,000 fine after punching center Brad Miller.

2002: Controversy and Allegations

In 2002, during the Western Conference finals against the Sacramento Kings, O'Neal accused Kings' center Vlade Divac of flopping.

2002: Comments Fueling Lakers-Kings Rivalry

Throughout 2002, Shaquille O'Neal's comments fueled the Lakers' rivalry with the Sacramento Kings. During the victory parade in 2002, O'Neal declared that Sacramento would never be the capital of California after the Lakers beat the Kings in a tough seven-game series.

2004: Loss to Pistons and Trade Demand

In 2004, after the Lakers' loss to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, coupled with comments from Lakers' management and Phil Jackson's departure, O'Neal demanded a trade, citing the team's focus on appeasing Bryant.

2004: Tension with Bryant

In 2004, leading up to the 2003-2004 season, tension between O'Neal and Kobe Bryant escalated, with Bryant criticizing O'Neal's physical condition and commitment to the team in an ESPN interview.

2005: Comparing Play to Erick Dampier

During the 2005 NBA playoffs, Shaquille O'Neal compared his poor play to Erick Dampier, a Dallas Mavericks center. This quip inspired countless references by announcers during those playoffs.

2005: Feud with Kobe Bryant

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

2006: Injury and Criticism of Phil Jackson

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal missed 35 games due to a left knee injury requiring surgery. Following a Christmas Day game against the Lakers, he criticized Phil Jackson, referring to him as "Benedict Arnold" after Jackson said O'Neal wasn't a hard worker.

2006: Views on Flopping

In 2006, during a TIME interview, O'Neal stated that if he were NBA commissioner, he would eliminate flopping and make players earn their calls.

February 2008: Altercation with Pat Riley

In February 2008, O'Neal had an altercation with Heat coach Pat Riley during practice, leading to a trade. The disagreement was over Riley ordering Jason Williams to leave practice for being tardy. O'Neal and Riley argued face-to-face, escalating to physical contact.

June 22, 2008: Diss Rap About Kobe Bryant

On June 22, 2008, Shaquille O'Neal freestyled a diss rap about Kobe Bryant in a New York club, blaming Bryant for his divorce, mocking Bryant's inability to win a championship without him, and using racially derogatory language. This led to controversy and the revocation of O'Neal's special deputyship by some sheriff departments.

July 2017: Diss Track Aimed at LaVar Ball

In July 2017, Shaquille O'Neal released a diss track aimed at LaVar Ball after Ball claimed he and his son LaMelo could beat O'Neal and his son Shareef in basketball.

2021: Spokesperson for FTX

In 2021, Shaquille O'Neal was a paid spokesperson for FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange.

February 2022: U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals Ruling on Bitconnect lawsuit

In February 2022, the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a lawsuit against Bitconnect that the Securities Act of 1933 extends to targeted solicitation using social media.

November 2022: FTX filed for bankruptcy

In November 2022, FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange for which Shaquille O'Neal was a spokesperson, filed for bankruptcy, wiping out billions in customer funds and O'Neal's personal stake.