Days After Gambling Fiasco, Shaquille O’Neal Caught in Political Turmoil in a Foreign Country

Shaquille O’Neal has always made the headlines for some reason or another. During his time in the NBA, he won four NBA championships, which included a three-peat with the Los Angeles Lakers. Even after his playing career is over, the Big Diesel is among the most famous NBA players on social media.

Shaq recently faced a lot of backlash due to a gambling advertisement that was aired in Australia. Now, he finds himself in between political turmoil in Australia as the ruling government is receiving negative feedback for Shaq’s appearance.

The Australian government recently enlisted Shaquille O’Neal to help them in promoting indigenous reform in the country. Shaq visited Australia earlier this year and joined the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese in a press conference. The government of Australia is planning to hold a referendum to change its constitution. This would give indigenous people a voice in the parliament.

ALSO READ: Towering at 7ft, Shaquille O’Neal Makes Lewis Hamilton Look “Pocket Sized” in Viral Video Circulating the Internet

Albanese recently said that Shaq is suitable to help them in driving public support. Shaq is among the most famous NBA stars in the world and certainly has a lot of fans in Australia as well. However, Shaq’s support is not being digested well by the opposition in Australia.

Shaquille O’Neal helping the government not going down well with the opposition in Australia

Australian PM Albanese wants to gather as much support as he can from around the world. Shaquille O’Neal is very famous among adults and the young generation. However, the opposition in Australia has been giving negative feedback about Shaquille O’Neal. But Albanese has told them to ‘chill out a little bit.’

“The fact is that Shaq’s appearance means that people are talking about it,” Anthony Albanese said.

“Shaq appeals to a whole bunch of people, many of whom would have been hearing about the voice to parliament for the very first time, and that’s a good thing.”

According to Albanese, Shaq has already agreed to ‘do some videos’ on the referendum. Australia’s Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney also revealed that it was Shaq who requested to be involved.

Shaquille O’Neal’s press conference with Australian PM

According to ‘The Guardian’, there was a short script prepared for Shaq to speak at the press conference. However, when the press conference happened, Shaq didn’t say anything according to the speech.

“Hello Australia, nice to see you. I’m here in your country – if there is anything you need from me, let me know,” Shaq said.

“Congratulations to you guys. And I want you to know: Shaq loves Australia. All right?”

WATCH THIS STORY: Shaquille O’Neal’s Bizarre Pre-Game Ritual From His Magic Days

Classic Shaq. He already has a track record of helping out the marginalized in the society in the United States. It is incredible to see Shaq working for social justice not just in the US, but in Australia as well.