In the world of professional sports, few athletes command as much respect and admiration as Shaquille O’Neal.

The former NBA superstar and Hall of Famer has long been recognized not only for his dominance on the basketball court but also for his candid and often insightful commentary off it.

Recently, O’Neal has been vocal about his disappointment in fellow athlete Brittney Griner

Criticizing her actions and statements which he deems unworthy of representing America.

Brittney Griner, the Phoenix Mercury star and one of the most prominent figures in the WNBA, has made headlines over the years not just for her athletic prowess but also for her outspoken views on social justice and other political issues. Griner’s activism, particularly around issues of police brutality and systemic racism, has garnered both support and backlash. However, it was her recent actions and comments that have particularly irked O’Neal.

Shaquille O’Neal, known for his patriotic sentiments and support for the armed forces, recently lashed out at Griner during an interview. He accused her of being overly ‘woke’ and acting thoughtlessly in ways that, according to him, tarnish the reputation of American athletes. O’Neal’s anger was specifically triggered by Griner’s refusal to stand for the national anthem during WNBA games, a move she explained as a protest against racial injustice.

“Standing for the national anthem is about respecting the country and those who fought for our freedoms,” O’Neal said. “I understand the need to protest and raise awareness about social issues, but there are ways to do it without disrespecting the flag and our national symbols. Brittney’s actions are thoughtless and send the wrong message to young athletes and fans.”

O’Neal’s comments have sparked a significant debate among fans and commentators. Supporters of Griner argue that her form of protest is a legitimate exercise of free speech and a necessary action to bring attention to critical issues. They point out that athletes have long used their platforms to advocate for social change, citing examples like Muhammad Ali and Colin Kaepernick.

On the other hand, O’Neal’s supporters agree with his stance, believing that national symbols should be honored and that protests can be carried out in other, less divisive ways. They contend that Griner’s approach alienates a significant portion of the fanbase and detracts from the very issues she seeks to highlight.

The debate touches on broader issues of patriotism, free speech, and the role of athletes in political and social discourse. It raises important questions about how public figures should balance their personal convictions with their roles as representatives of their country. For O’Neal, the answer is clear: respect for national symbols should come first, and protests should be conducted in a manner that unifies rather than divides.

Griner, however, remains steadfast in her beliefs. She has stated that her actions are meant to provoke thought and inspire change, not to disrespect the country. In a recent interview, she said, “I love my country, but I believe we can do better. My protest is a call for justice and equality, and I hope it encourages others to think critically about these issues.”

As the controversy continues to unfold, it is evident that the intersection of sports and politics will remain a contentious and evolving landscape. Shaquille O’Neal and Brittney Griner, through their differing perspectives, highlight the complex and often challenging role that athletes play in shaping public discourse. Whether one agrees with O’Neal’s call for respect or Griner’s push for change, the conversation underscores the powerful impact of sports figures in American society./

Doria Ragland breaks down in tears while discussing her daughter Meghan Markle’s suicidal thoughts in “Harry & Meghan.”

In new episodes released Thursday, the 66-year-old recalls the “Suits” alum telling her that “she had wanted to take her own life.”

Ragland remembers, “That really broke my heart because I knew that it was bad. … That’s not an easy one for a mom to hear.”

The former yoga instructor notes that both she and Markle’s husband, Prince Harry, couldn’t “protect” the former actress from the media hate she received amid her relationship with the royal.

“[She was] just constantly be picked at by these vultures just picking away at her spirit,” Ragland says of Markle, 41, “actually think[ing] of not wanting to be here.”

Ragland’s emotional interview comes nearly two years after the “Deal or No Deal” alum publicly shared her battle with suicidal thoughts for the first time.

“I just didn’t want to be alive anymore,” Markle told Oprah Winfrey during a bombshell March 2021 interview. “I knew that if I didn’t say it that I would do it. And that was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought.”

Prince Harry, Doria Ragland, Meghan Markle and Archie
“That’s not an easy one for a mom to hear,” Ragland said on “Harry & Meghan.”
Netflix
The Duchess of Sussex explained that while she was pregnant with her son, Archie, in January 2019, she told Harry that she couldn’t “be left alone” ahead of an event at Royal Albert Hall.

“If you zoom in, you can see how tightly his knuckles are gripped around mine,” Markle said. “You can see the whites of our knuckles, because we are smiling and doing our job, but we’re both just trying to hold on.”

Harry, 38, admits in the Netflix show that he “hates” himself for how he reacted to his wife’s confession.

“I didn’t deal with it particularly well,” the former military pilot recalls. “What she needed from me was so much more than i was able to give.”

As for Markle, she says, “I wanted to go somewhere to get help, but I wasn’t allowed to. They were concerned about how that would look for the institution.”

The couple left England in January 2020 and now live in Montecito, Calif., with Archie, 3, and their 1-year-old daughter, Lilibet.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.