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 7'1" and weighing 325 pounds, he dominated as a center for six NBA teams over his 19-year career. O'Neal is a four-time NBA champion and is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players and centers in history.

Sections (7)

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

December 17, 1996: Conflict with Dennis Rodman

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

1996: Olympic Gold Medal and Departure from Orlando

In the summer of 1996, O'Neal won a gold medal with the United States Olympic basketball team in Atlanta, but faced scrutiny and controversy in Orlando regarding his contract and role on the team, ultimately leading to his departure.

November 10, 1999: O'Neal and Barkley Ejected from Game

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

2000: Screen Actors Guild Strike Fine

During the 2000 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.

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

In January 2002, O'Neal was involved in an on-court brawl against the Chicago Bulls, punching center Brad Miller after an intentional foul. He was suspended for three games and fined $15,000.

2002: O'Neal on Beating the Kings

During the 2002 Western Conference finals against the Sacramento Kings, O'Neal implied the Kings "cheat" in reference to Vlade Divac's alleged flopping.

2002: Comments on Sacramento Kings

During the Lakers' 2002 victory parade, Shaquille O'Neal declared that Sacramento would never be the capital of California, following the Lakers' victory over the Kings in the playoffs.

2004: Tension Between O'Neal and Bryant Climaxed

At the beginning of the 2003-2004 season, tension between O'Neal and Bryant climaxed when Bryant criticized O'Neal in an interview for being out of shape, a poor leader, and prioritizing his salary demands. O'Neal had yelled at Lakers owner Jerry Buss, "Pay me."

2005: Compared Play to Erick Dampier

During the 2005 NBA playoffs, Shaquille O'Neal compared his poor play to that of Erick Dampier, a Dallas Mavericks center, inspiring numerous references by announcers.

2005: Mocking Kobe Bryant

In the summer of 2005, Shaquille O'Neal responded to a question about Kobe Bryant by pretending not to know who Bryant was, continuing the act well into the 2005–06 season, further fueling their strained relationship.

2006: O'Neal Rips Jackson

In 2006, after missing a Christmas Day game against the Lakers, Shaquille O'Neal referred to his former coach Phil Jackson as "Benedict Arnold" after Jackson stated that O'Neal was the only player he'd coached that wasn't a hard worker.

2006: O'Neal's stance on flopping in 2006

In a 2006 interview, O'Neal said if he were NBA commissioner, he would "Make a guy have to beat a guy—not flop and get calls and be nice to the referees and kiss ass."

February 2008: Altercation with Riley and Trade

In February 2008, O'Neal had an altercation with coach Pat Riley during practice after Riley ordered Jason Williams to leave for being tardy. Soon after, Riley decided to trade O'Neal from the Miami Heat.

June 2008: Special 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. He blamed Bryant for his divorce and mocked Bryant's inability to win a championship without him.

March 3, 2009: Matchup against Dwight Howard on March 3, 2009

On March 3, 2009, O'Neal was outscored by Dwight Howard in a game against Orlando. O'Neal commented on the increased double-teaming and his age, while Magic coach Stan Van Gundy criticized O'Neal for flopping during the game.