Imago
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 14: Shaquille O’Neal attends the ESPN Gala: “30 For 30: This Magic Moment” Screening during the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival at SVA Theatre on April 14, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Pont/WireImage)
Imago
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 14: Shaquille O’Neal attends the ESPN Gala: “30 For 30: This Magic Moment” Screening during the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival at SVA Theatre on April 14, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Pont/WireImage)
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is not one to hide his thoughts. A few months ago, he went all out to bash Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons regarding his gameplay and also his mental health. With his comments, Shaq sent headlines all around the world, with many bashing him for joking around a very sensitive topic.
Recently, Shaq invited a mental health expert to discuss the situation of mental health in athletes. As expected, he brought out the topic of Ben Simmons to the doctor.
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Shaq said, “When you have an athlete like Ben, who is a phenomenal athlete… There are a lot of great things in the NBA he was once touted to be…”
“When you see him break down in the playoffs game, as athletes we go straight to, ‘he’s not strong enough mentally’.” Shaq added.
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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 06: Shaquille O’Neal appears to promote “Toys for Tots” during the AOL BUILD Series at AOL HQ on December 6, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Donna Ward/Getty Images)
The doctor, Lizz Beecroft, explains in detail that the mental health of an athlete can deteriorate due to various factors. She said, “There are a lot of things that factor into our mental well-being overall.“
Interestingly enough, Lizz happens to be a Philadelphia 76ers fan, Ben’s previous team. Simmons joined the Brooklyn Nets after a blockbuster trade sent James Harden to the 76ers and Simmons to the Nets.
What did Shaquille O’Neal say about Ben Simmons?
Former 76ers star Ben Simmons was one of the biggest talking points of the 2021-22 season. He fell off with the franchise and refused to play for them. Subsequently, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets and injury issues forced him out of the remainder of the season.
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 10, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) during warmups before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
During the Ben Simmons drama with the 76ers, Shaq brutally bashed the Australian and his mental health issues. O’Neal referred to his issues as ‘excuses’ and also talked about mental fortitude.
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According to the 4 time NBA champion, Simmons should build more mental fortitude and he said, “There is a difference between mental health and mental fortitude“.
Do you agree with Shaquille O’Neal regarding Ben Simmons? Let us know in the comments down below.
Written by
Edited by
Pritam Priyedarshi