?I Was Wrong for Smacking That Man?: Shaquille O?Neal Regrets Violent Incident in Lakers Locker Room

Shaquille O’Neal has come a long way from being the most dominant player in the NBA. The four-time NBA champ has a massive 7’1 tall physique and weighed 325 lbs during his NBA days. He managed to take down the toughest of opponents on the court with his strong build. However, his massive stature and volatile temper often got him involved in physical encounters on and off the court. Back in 1997, Shaquille O’Neal was involved in a violent incident ahead of the season-opening game in the Lakers locker room, earning him a big fine and a suspension.

The 15-time All-Star recently admitted that he regretted his physical encounter against former Utah Jazz star Greg Ostertag during the morning shootaround, on the recent iteration of the Big Podcast with Shaq.

Shaq missed out on the famous Kobe Bryant?revenge game against the Utah Jazz following an elimination during the 1997 playoffs where the Black Bamba air-balled four times in his rookie year. The five-time NBA champ was ready to take on the Jazz during the season opener as it was the first time the two teams met since the airball game. However, his teammate Shaquille O’Neal found himself in the midst of controversy ahead of the crucial game.

Why did Shaquille O’Neal slap Ostertag?

Shaq and Ostertag allegedly had a heated discussion during the morning shootouts about the Los Angeles Lakers’ elimination by the Jazz in the previous season. The discussion escalated, and O’Neal ended up slapping 7’2 tall Ostertag on the head with an open left hand. The Los Angeles Lakers legend’s slap knocked the former Jazz center on the floor.

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Shaq recently shared his regrets about the altercation with Ostertag 25 years later. Looking back at the incident, Shaq shared that he felt wrong about hitting Ostertag and he accepted that should not have done it. Further, host Nischelle Turner asked Shaq when was the last time he admitted to being wrong. The Lakers legend answered that he said it all the time.

Turner reiterated when was the last time O’Neal had said he was wrong specifically. Shaquille O’Neal replied, “I just said I was wrong for smacking that man.”

The 15-time All-Star said that Greg Ostertag said some offensive words about the Lakers team at their home arena. Ostertag’s words infuriated the Big Diesel, and he ended up slapping Ostertag.

Kobe Bryant’s Lakers won despite Shaq’s absence

O’Neal had to issue a public apology to Greg Ostertag after the incident. He was fined $10,000 and received a one-game suspension for his actions. Ostertag played the season opener while O’Neal missed out due to a strained abdominal muscle. The Jazz center could only score two points during the game as the Lakers defeated Utah by 104-87.

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Years down the line, Shaq admitted that he made a mistake in the heat of the moment. It suggests that the Lakers legend has evolved and has grown as a person over the years.