Over the years, players like Dwight Howard, Kyrie Irving, and Ben Simmons have fallen victim to the sharp criticism of Shaquille O’Neal. The 4x NBA champion and Hall of Famer has never hesitated to speak his mind candidly. Incidentally, an athlete outside the confines of the NBA world was on the receiving end of the Big Fella’s sharp tongue recently. Shaq cited his drill sergeant father to call out the Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield last week.

While reacting to some NFL games on his podcast, O’Neal took shots at Mayfield and his conduct amid a disappointing season. Moreover, the Los Angeles Lakers legend also issued a harsh reality check for the Rams quarterback.

Shaquille O’Neal breaks a hard truth to Baker Mayfield

Shaquille O’Neal’s podcast, the Big Podcast, has risen in popularity due to the candid and insightful takes of the 4x NBA champion. However, on some occasions, the Big Diesel has had outbursts of criticism toward certain individuals. One such instance occurred in the recent Christmas special episode, The Big Scrooge. 

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In the episode, while reacting to some NFL highlights, the conversation shifted to Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield. After discussing Mayfield’s arrival in LA, co-host Nischelle Turner argued for cutting some slack for the Rams’ quarterback. However, O’Neal wasn’t buying Turner’s ‘mom’ instincts. After shaking his head in disapproval, the Hall of Famer burst into a candid monologue. 

He said, ” It’s part of the business; you either gotta step up or step down, that’s it. There is no in-between. My father used to tell me all the time, ‘You mad about the article?’ I said ‘Yeah’, and he said, ‘Well do you think there is some truth in it’-‘Yeah, a little bit’, ‘So what are you mad for then.’ ‘If you play like you are supposed to play you will get the articles you want.'” 

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Despite the disapproval, O’Neal’s lecture also resonated with his personal experience and his father’s advice. Drawing from those experiences, the Hall of Famer presented the reality of the matter Mayfield.

Baker Mayfield isn’t having the time of his life

For the past few seasons in the NFL, Baker Mayfield has been the poster boy of a draft bust. Moreover, the 27-year-old quarterback became a journeyman this season from Cleveland to Carolina to now in Los Angeles. His exit from the Browns was surrounded by drama and controversy. Moreover, Mayfield suffered the same fate in Carolina after losing the job to another quarterback. Throughout the season, he has had run-ins with the media members, further damaging his reputation.

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However, Mayfield currently plays for the reigning Super Bowl champions. Only time will tell whether he will embrace the harsh reality alluded to by O’Neal or go down as a bust.