NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal has come under fire for making “creepy” remarks about Angel Reese’s appearance during her podcast. The 52-year-old basketball legend joined the 22-year-old WNBA star on “Unapologetically Angel” last week, where he commented on the “little shorts” she wore at the Wild ‘N Out Live Tour.

“Imagine you in the same little shorts you had on at the Wild ‘N Out show dunking. You know how many T-shirts you’re gonna sell? You’re tripping,” Shaq told Reese. The Chicago Sky player didn’t seem too amused, but managed a small laugh before responding: “Oh my God.”

“What? Them same little shorts you had on at Wild ‘N Out,” O’Neal continued. “Okay. Alright. Alright. Alright. Alright,” Reese responded.

“You’re not beautiful or good-looking – you are gorgeous. There’s a lot of gorgeous women in the WNBA,” O’Neal added.

The conversation didn’t go down well on social media, with some accusing Shaq of sexualizing Reese. “Shaq sexualizing Angel Reese when he’s 30 years her senior and has kids older than her,” one said.

“Shaq sexualizing Angel Reese like shorty ain’t damn near the same age as his children definitely cringy,” another added. “Making crude sexual jokes toward a 22-year-old like Angel Reese? It’s disturbing and creepy,” a third said.

A fourth slammed: “Shaq is extremely weird and nasty for saying that to Angel Reese (and also for not dropping it when she clearly was uncomfortable with it).”

Shaq has been accused of making “creepy” comments about Angel Reese’s appearance

Shaq has been accused of making “creepy” comments about Angel Reese’s appearance 

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(Image: Getty))

Reese and Shaq share a close bond, with the WNBA star referring to him as “a father figure” and Shaq expressing his affection for Reese like a daughter. O’Neal has been a vocal supporter of Reese and women’s basketball, advocating for higher pay for WNBA players.

“The [women’s] game is more popular than ever now,” Shaq commented. “Y’all do need to get paid more, there’s no reason why some of these [NBA] bums are making $200 million and y’all are making what y’all are making.”

In addition to their personal relationship, Reese and Shaq also have a professional connection through Reebok. The WNBA rebounding powerhouse inked a lucrative shoe deal with the brand during her college basketball career at LSU. As the president of Reebok Basketball, O’Neal was instrumental in signing Reese.

“Well, it started off by talking to Shaq and understanding the values that align with the brand,” Reese shared at the time. “As a former athlete, now that he’s just been announced as their President of Basketball it is inspirational to me, just being able to see an athlete or former athlete shift from not just being an athlete, but being the President of the brand is something that’s important. I would love to do that one day.

“It feels great, Shaq is so much fun! I love him, and he’s been super supportive of me and everything I’ve done. Even if I didn’t work with Reebok he’d still support me, and our relationship has always been amazing. Everything is just so much fun, and what player wouldn’t want feedback from one of the best bigs of all time!?”.