NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has come to the defense of Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese.
The four-time NBA champion is pushing back on the criticism that has trailed the former LSU champion since she entered the league.
Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, O'Neal stood up for his longtime mentee. He also took aim at online pundits who target women's sports athletes.
Shaq Claims WNBA Critics Bully Angel Reese
O'Neal didn't hold back on the steady stream of criticism that's been directed at Reese. He argued that modern sports media gives uncredentialed voices a platform, allowing them to exploit players just to drive digital engagement.
"The problem with your profession now is that you're letting amateurs come in," the LA Lakers veteran said. "Amateurs think they have the same rights that you guys have."
He also pointed to a broader problem spurred by internet culture.
Commentators, he continued, often seize on hot-button topics to build their brands. According to O'Neal, those critics single out Reese's performances to grow their follower counts while chasing likes.
"Guys bullying guys is one thing," he said. "But I can't let you just bully women so you can get likes."
Shaq's Connection to Angel Reese Dates Back to LSU, Reebok
The bond between O'Neal and Reese runs back to their shared LSU roots.
As president of Reebok's basketball division, O'Neal signed Reese to a major endorsement deal early on. He also recently signed Washington Mystics rookie and NCAA champion Lauren Betts, positioning himself as a mentor for both standouts.
"They have my number," O'Neal said of the Reebok athletes. "They know if they need me, they can call me. Another role of being a mentor is not to micromanage. You know, sometimes you just have to let people figure it out on their own."
Still, to him, there's a firm line between fair basketball critique and targeted attacks.
"I wish I could punch some of these guys in the face that just pick on my Angel," O'Neal continued. "These guys come in, and they just say stuff off the wall, and they keep going. It's just a lot of nonsense, and just embarrassing, a lot of bullying."
