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 and current sports analyst. Standing at 7'1" and weighing 325 pounds, he played center for six NBA teams over 19 years. Known as "Diesel" and other nicknames, O'Neal is a four-time NBA champion and is considered one of the greatest centers in basketball history.

Sections (7)

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

1933: Securities Act

In 1933, The Securities Act of 1933 extends to targeted solicitation using social media.

December 17, 1996: Shoving Incident with Dennis Rodman

On December 17, 1996, Shaquille O'Neal shoved Dennis Rodman during a game against the Chicago Bulls, leading to a confrontation.

1996: Olympic Gold Medal and Contract Disputes

In 1996, Shaquille O'Neal won a gold medal at the Olympics in Atlanta. He also faced contract disputes with the Orlando Magic and media scrutiny.

November 10, 1999: Ejection from Game Against Houston Rockets

On November 10, 1999, during a game against the Houston Rockets, O'Neal and Charles Barkley were ejected after O'Neal shoved Barkley following a blocked layup.

1999: Angered by FIBA AmeriCup squad overlook

In 1999, O'Neal was angered by being overlooked for the FIBA AmeriCup squad, calling it a "lack of respect".

2000: Screen Actors Guild strike and Disney commercial

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.

2000: O'Neal calls out Dikembe Mutombo

In 2000, O'Neal criticized Dikembe Mutombo, the Defensive Player of the Year, for flopping during the 2001 NBA Finals against the 76ers.

2001: NBA Finals Game 3 Foul Out and Criticism of Mutombo

During Game 3 of the 2001 NBA Finals against the 76ers, O'Neal fouled out backing over Dikembe Mutombo. O'Neal criticized Mutombo for flopping, saying he wished Mutombo would "stand up and play me like a man".

January 2002: On-Court Brawl and Suspension

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

2002: Comments About Sacramento Kings

During the 2002 Western Conference finals against the Sacramento Kings, O'Neal accused Kings center Vlade Divac of flopping and stated, "There is only one way to beat us. It starts with c and ends with t," alluding to the word "cheat."

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.

2004: Contract Extension Demands and Tension with Kobe Bryant

At the beginning of the 2003-04 season, O'Neal sought a contract extension with a raise, leading to tension with Lakers owner Jerry Buss and teammate Kobe Bryant. Bryant criticized O'Neal's fitness, leadership, and salary demands in an interview with ESPN's Jim Gray.

2005: Erick Dampier Comparison

During the 2005 NBA playoffs, Shaquille O'Neal compared his poor play to Erick Dampier's scoreless game, inspiring many references during the playoffs.

2005: Ankle Injury, Van Gundy Resignation and Riley Appointment

During the 2005-06 season, O'Neal injured his right ankle in the second game and missed 18 games. Upon his return, coach Stan Van Gundy resigned and Pat Riley took over as head coach. O'Neal criticized Van Gundy for being a 'frontrunner'.

2005: Feud with Kobe Bryant

In the summer of 2005, Shaquille O'Neal responded with "I'm sorry, who?" when asked about Kobe Bryant, and continued to pretend he didn't know who Bryant was well into the 2005-06 season.

2006: Knee Injury, Criticism of Phil Jackson

During the 2006-07 season, O'Neal missed 35 games due to a knee injury. He criticized his former coach, Phil Jackson, calling him "Benedict Arnold" after Jackson said O'Neal was not a hard worker.

2006: Comments on flopping

In a 2006 interview in TIME, 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

In February 2008, O'Neal got into an altercation with Riley over the coach ordering a tardy Jason Williams to leave practice. Riley soon after decided to trade O'Neal.

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, blaming Bryant for his divorce and taunting him for not winning a championship without him.

March 3, 2009: Matchup against Dwight Howard

On March 3, 2009, in a matchup against Orlando, O'Neal was outscored by Magic center Dwight Howard, 21–19. O'Neal flopped against Howard.

July 2017: Diss Track Aimed at LaVar Ball

In July 2017, Shaquille O'Neal released a diss track aimed at LaVar Ball in response to Ball's claim that he and his son would beat O'Neal and his son in a basketball game.

2021: Spokesperson for FTX

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

February 2022: U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals Ruled in Lawsuit Against Bitconnect

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.