As a formidable force both on and off the hardwood, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is widely known for his protective nature. Especially when provoked. So, when his daughter-like athlete and Chicago Sky star, Angel Reese gets into trouble, it awakens the big bear in Shaq, ready to take down anyone who tries to do her dirty. While Reese is a strong and confident athlete herself, it is the paternal instinct that jumps up to defend the W star.

Well, Angel Reese holds a special place in his heart. After all, the bond dates back to her college days. Both share their roots with the Tigers, and has been a mentor to the Chi-Town Barbie long before she joined the pros. While Reese finally found her momentum this season and has been showcasing an impressive yet steady progress, Shaq sits quietly in the corner, observing if someone tries pulling the Sky forward down.

And something similar happened recently. Former NFL quarterback and media figure Robert Griffin III (RGIII) made another improper remark directed at Reese. Known for taking jabs at the athlete, this time was different. Robert Griffin III recently responded to a racist image targeting Angel Reese in NBA 2K26’s WNBA mode. And O’Neal could not stay quiet. National reporter, Bailey Jackson shared a clip on X (former Twitter) featuring Shaq.

He responded at the racist jab with a hard-hitting warning. “Oh! Speaking of man, RG III tweet another monkey post about my girl Angel Reese and I’m going to punch you in your f-ing face. Okay? It’s enough,” Shaq said on the podcast. “I don’t usually do stuff like this but stop it bro. You got your job, you got your podcast. Leave my Angel Reese alone.” Hinting that RGIII used the WNBA player to garner views and social media attention, an unimpressed Shaq was not done yet.

While he did warn the media personality online, the NBA legend exposed a deeper problem. He emphasised the fact that not everyone is entitled to like every player in the league. While one may have certain players they dislike, they have no right to publicly shame the player or place them in bad light. After all, WNBA is a fast-growing industry where players have changing career trajectories. And one may or may not align with the same players throughout.

“This is sports. I’m not supposed to like you. It’s a shame that all the stuff you did in your life, you’re going to be remembered for your podcast,” the legend calmly said. “Like, leave those girls alone. You already spoke on it. Let her go.” Not only is his monkey tweet a blotch on the RGIII’s career, it shows a deep-seated hate for the rising star. Moreover, Shaq cleared the air on Reese’s behalf. He advised the player to “stay classy” and not respond to such behaviour.

On the other hand, Reese is not the kind of individual who would ignore or refrain from reacting to disrespect. That is why Shaq had to sit her down and stop her from engaging with RGIII. “I’m like, “You’re beautiful. Don’t indulge with these fools,” because he’s a fool. He don’t even have the G14 classification to say that,” the legend added. While Angel is beautifully navigating through the regular season, with her ninth consecutive double-double in store, it will be exciting to watch Reese’s growth this season.

Angel Reese supports her Chicago Sky teammate

The Chicago Sky player Angel Reese appreciated her teammate Ariel Atkins for her remarkable stint against the Minnesota Lynx. “She’s tough,” Angel Reese said in a post-game interview. “And people slept on her, people kept saying she was washed. She shows up every single night and put on. Every bucket was tough. I’m just really happy for her. She’s getting her groove. That’s just not offensively; that’s defensively, too.”

Talking about veteran athlete, Ariel Atkins, Reese pointed out how people refer to the athlete as “washed out” over the years. However, it is the same athlete who has been the reigning scorer for the Chicago Sky this season. Though Ariel Atkins has shied away from the All-Star games for a couple of years, she won the All-Star title twice, in 2021 and 2022.

In fact, the five-time Defensive Player of the Year holder is an asset for the franchise and a driving force for the team on the hardwood. But one of the toughest defenders in the league has transformed into being lead scorer for the Sky. Having said that, Atkins averaged 27 points against the Minnesota Lynx in the first half, and rallied the Sky ahead. This was before she was sidelined owing to a leg injury.

No wonder Reese could not help but praise the athlete for her massive contributions on the hardwood. While the athlete doubles as a silent killer on the court, can Angel Reese and the young Chicago Sky core step up in the veteran’s absence and bolster the team towards a win? With improved statistics from Reese, things look promising for HC Tyler Marsh & Co., who can no longer afford another loss in their belt.