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 celebrated American former professional basketball player and current sports analyst on Inside the NBA. Standing at 7-foot-1 and weighing 325 pounds, he dominated as a center for six NBA teams over his 19-year career. A four-time NBA champion, O'Neal is considered among the greatest basketball players and centers in the history of the sport.

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, Shaquille O'Neal shoved Dennis Rodman of the Chicago Bulls during a game, leading to a brief confrontation.

November 10, 1999: Ejection in Game Against Houston Rockets

On November 10, 1999, in a game against the Houston Rockets, O'Neal and Charles Barkley were ejected after O'Neal shoved Barkley, who then threw the ball at O'Neal after O'Neal blocked a layup by Barkley.

1999: Anger over FIBA AmeriCup Snub

In 1999, O'Neal expressed anger at being overlooked for the FIBA AmeriCup squad, calling it a "lack of respect".

2000: Fined for Crossing Picket Line

During the 2000 Screen Actors Guild strike, Shaquille O'Neal performed in a commercial for Disney, resulting in a fine from the union for crossing the picket line.

January 2002: On-Court Brawl and Suspension

In January 2002, O'Neal was involved in an on-court brawl during a game against the Chicago Bulls. He punched center Brad Miller after an intentional foul, resulting in a melee. O'Neal was suspended for three games without pay and fined $15,000.

2002: Sacramento Queens Declaration

In 2002, during the Lakers' victory parade, Shaquille O'Neal declared that Sacramento would never be the capital of California, after the Lakers beat the Kings in a tough seven-game series en route to its third championship with O'Neal. O'Neal often referred to the Sacramento team as the "Queens".

2002: Comments on Sacramento Kings

In 2002, matched up against the Sacramento Kings in the 2002 Western Conference finals, O'Neal made controversial comments suggesting the Kings were cheating by flopping. He referred to Divac as "she".

2004: Contract Extension Demands and Feud with Bryant

At the beginning of the 2003–04 season, O'Neal wanted a contract extension with a pay raise, leading to tension with the Lakers management. The feud with Kobe Bryant climaxed during training camp when Bryant criticized O'Neal in an ESPN interview.

2005: Erick Dampier Comparison

During the 2005 NBA playoffs, Shaquille 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: "Who?" Comment About Kobe Bryant

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

February 2008: Altercation with Riley and Trade

In February 2008, O'Neal had an altercation with coach Pat Riley during a practice, leading to Riley's decision to trade O'Neal.

June 2008: Deputyship Revoked

In June 2008, the Bedford County, Virginia, and Maricopa County, Arizona, sheriff departments revoked Shaquille 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, Shaquille 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. The act led to controversy and potential revocation of his Maricopa County sheriff posse badge.

March 3, 2009: Matchup Against Dwight Howard

On March 3, 2009, in a game against the Orlando Magic, O'Neal was outscored by Dwight Howard. O'Neal also commented on flopping in the NBA.

July 2017: Diss Track Aimed at LaVar Ball

In July 2017, Shaquille O'Neal released a diss track aimed at LaVar Ball, father of NBA point guard Lonzo Ball. The song was in response to Ball claiming that he and his younger son LaMelo, would beat O'Neal and his son Shareef in a basketball game.