Though Shaquille O’Neal and Shaunie split up 12 years ago, rumors continue to surface about their marriage. Royce Reed, the former NBA cheerleader and mother of Dwight Howard‘s child, was recently in talks about her involvement with Shaq. Her revelation has further intensified the controversy surrounding O’Neal and his ex-wife. However, this time, the Big Aristotle had something to say on the matter.

Despite being celebrated for his achievements, there has also been significant discussion surrounding Shaq’s split from his ex-wife, Shaunie Henderson. Criticism followed their messy public divorce, and while Shaq openly acknowledged his role in the separation, he has recently clapped back at reports of infidelity.

How did Shaquille O’Neal react to Royce Reed’s cheating accusations?

In a recent YouTube interview with Carlos King, Royce Reed made a bold claim regarding the four-time NBA champion. During the course of their conversation, Dwight Howard’s ex disclosed that Shaquille O’Neal had sent her inappropriate text messages while he was still married to Henderson. 

Reed and Henderson both were part of the show, ‘Basketball Wives’, and knew each other well. Recalling her time with Shaunie, she said, “I had sent her (Shaunie) a thread where her ex-husband had been texting me. Nothing ever happened.”

The 43-year-old actress added, “He actually cursed me out cause I didn’t want to talk to him.”

While her statement certainly piqued the curiosity of fans and astute observers, it was O’Neal’s response that truly altered the trajectory of the conversation. The Los Angeles Lakers legend legend commented on an Instagram post that featured a video clip from Reed’s interview.

In his enigmatic message, the Big Aristotle conveyed, “uh somebody needs money.”

Although it seems to suggest that Reed’s actions are financially motivated, there hasn’t been much additional information available. Of course, Shaq hasn’t directly denied her statements. But he appears to be claiming that the actress is motivated by money and not truth.

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This isn’t the first time the 2000 NBA MVP got entangled in infidelity rumors. However, after his separation from his wife, O’Neal has been forthcoming about his past actions.

O’Neal confessed to his mistakes with Shaunie

During an episode of his podcast, “The Big Podcast with Shaq,” the legend openly confessed to being a “serial cheater.”

After the separation, he came to the realization that he had not only ended his marriage but also lost his family due to these circumstances. He confessed, “I am not proud of it. I lost my family doing it. I lost valuable, important years with my children doing it.”

In the divorce settlement, Shaunie was granted custody of their four children, and this development appeared to have affected him. Since then, he has openly admitted his mistake. 

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