With the football season beginning in full swing, the sports world finally has a weekly indulgence ready. Perhaps, nothing has been more surprising than the person who has become the biggest superstar in the NFL right now. Rather than any of the athletes, that honor goes to Taylor Swift. Due to her alleged romance with Travis Kelce, the NFL is fully leaning into her coverage. As a result, it has led to a debate about the focus of the NFL’s coverage. While Kelce and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith have given their opinion on the matter, it might be Smith’s newest partner that indirectly settles the debate. Due to the disrespect against the NFL legend, Shaquille O’Neal seemingly stood with him.

What did the media do in the middle of an interview with a 3x Super Bowl Champion?

Shaquille O’Neal is against the media’s mainstream coverage

Due to his departure from Undisputed, Shannon Sharpe was already a hot commodity. But his eventual union with Stephen A. was a ratings bonanza and a jolt in the ESPN armor. However, it hasn’t been enough for mainstream media attention. During the middle of an interview, Sharpe had to face some serious disrespect a few weeks ago.

While he was answering some questions pertaining to the FIBA World Cup, the reporter completely ignored him. Instead, a quick “Hold on one second” later, his focus was entirely on Selena Gomez as she came out of the building.

Even though the entire coverage of the 4x Emmy Award winner was her walking to her car, the media was quick to ignore the NFL veteran. As they returned, Sharpe was clearly not happy with the treatment, commenting, “Not even an excuse me, Shannon. Nah bruh you good.”

As Shaquille O’Neal put up the entire clip on his IG story, it seems clear whose side he was on. Abandoning a bona fide NFL legend in the middle of an interview for one barely visible clip of a mainstream celebrity is new levels of disrespect and one that Sharpe wasn’t gonna take lightly.

Watch This Story: As Rumors Continue To Swirl, Kelce Family’s Monumental Silence Sparks As Travis Kelce Is Forced To Celebrate Alone

While the NFL exploiting the incomparable popularity of Taylor rages debates, this particular incident shouldn’t have many opposing views.

The Taylor Swift and NFL love story continues

Throughout the last 2 weeks, Kansas City Chiefs games have become a major problem in this regard. After practically every snap of football, the league shifts to covering the reaction from the 12x Grammy Award winner. In their win against the New York Jets, the coverage even glossed over Isiah Pacheco’s touchdown celebration for a shot of Swift, drawing the ire of the fans.

On his podcast with brother Jason Kelce, Travis was asked about the extra attention given to his potential beau. While he was clearly against the idea, stating that the “NFL has taken it too far, ” not everyone was of the same opinion. On ESPN’s First Take with the aforementioned Shannon Sharpe, Stephen A put the blame on Travis instead.

Read More: “My Brother, More Power To You”: Vocal Stephen A. Smith Addresses Travis Kelce And Taylor Swift’s Dating Speculations

While Smith believes it is Kelce’s fault instead, who do you think is in the right? Let us know in the comments below.