Shaq faces criticism after making awkward remarks on Angel Reese’s podcast, suggesting changes to the WNBA and commenting on her outfit.

Shaquille O’Neal, one of the most iconic figures in basketball, has landed himself in hot water following his appearance on Angel Reese’s podcast. During the discussion, Shaq proposed a controversial idea to lower the rims in the WNBA, sparking backlash not just for the suggestion itself, but also for his awkward comments about Reese’s outfit. Fans have taken to social media to express their discomfort with Shaq’s remarks, calling them inappropriate and outdated.

The conversation started when Shaq shared his thoughts on how to boost viewership for the WNBA. He argued that lowering the rims slightly, similar to the net height in women’s volleyball, could make the game more exciting. “The only thing that’s missing is the dunk,” Shaq said. “I’m not saying lower it to 9 feet or anything, just a little bit.”

His idea, however, was quickly shot down by Angel Reese, who responded, “Just so we can dunk? No. I hate when men say that.” The LSU star’s straightforward reply highlighted a common frustration among female athletes regarding suggestions that imply they need to modify their game to appeal to a wider audience.

Awkward comments about Reese’s outfit draw criticism

As if his rim-lowering suggestion wasn’t controversial enough, Shaq took things further by making an uncomfortable comment about Angel Reese’s attire. “Imagine you in the same little shorts you had on at the Wild N Out show dunking, you know how many T-shirts you’re going to sell?” he remarked, drawing immediate backlash online. Fans were quick to label the comments as “creepy” and “inappropriate,” arguing that Shaq crossed a line.

Shaq tells Angel Reese that, unless certain players are playing, watching a WNBA game is like watching a high school game, and says the WNBA needs to lower the hoop so women can dunk, and then they will get paid like NBA players.

(🎥 Unapologetically Angel/YouTube) pic.twitter.com/mtYycR4Wct

— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) October 25, 2024

Shaq’s comment about the shorts seemed to shift the focus away from the s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s and athleticism of WNBA players, and instead put the spotlight on appearance. This type of language has long been criticized for objectifying female athletes, reducing their achievements to how they look rather than their talents on the court.

Fans react: “outdated and disrespectful”

Social media users did not hold back their reactions to the podcast segment. Comments flooded in across platforms like Twitter and Instagram, with many condemning Shaq’s remarks as insensitive. “It’s 2024, and we’re still having these types of conversations? So disappointing,” wrote one user. Another pointed out, “Shaq’s a legend, but he’s way off base here. Let’s focus on the talent, not the shorts.”

The criticism Shaq has faced is a reminder of the ongoing struggle female athletes endure to be recognized for their s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s rather than their appearances. While his suggestion to lower the rims may have been an attempt to engage more fans, the delivery and follow-up comments appeared tone-deaf, sparking more outrage than support.

Shaq receives backlash for telling Angel Reese to imagine how many shirts she would sell if she dunked in those tiny shirts she wore. 😳 pic.twitter.com/gZm5uqZvZA

— My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) October 26, 2024

The bigger conversation: respect and representation

The controversy raises a larger issue in the sports world about how female athletes are perceived and treated. Comments like Shaq’s are seen as dismissive of the hard work and athleticism that women put into their sports. Rather than suggesting changes to make the WNBA “more watchable,” many fans believe there should be a focus on promoting the league as it is, highlighting the talent and dedication of its players.

As the debate continues, it’s clear that sports figures like Shaq must be more mindful of their words. The WNBA has made significant strides in gaining respect and attention over the years, and conversations like these can either uplift or undermine those efforts.