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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 14: Shaquille O’Neal attends the ESPN Gala: “30 For 30: This Magic Moment” Screening during the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival at SVA Theatre on April 14, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Pont/WireImage)
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 14: Shaquille O’Neal attends the ESPN Gala: “30 For 30: This Magic Moment” Screening during the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival at SVA Theatre on April 14, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Pont/WireImage)
4 time NBA champion and Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal is known for not mincing any words regarding an issue. O’Neal is famous for giving his views regarding any issue both on and off the basketball court.
Recently, he invited a certified mental health expert on The Big Shaq podcast. The hosts and the doctor discussed in detail the issues surrounding the mental health of athletes and the factors which affect it.
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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 06: Shaquille O’Neal appears to promote “Toys for Tots” during the AOL BUILD Series at AOL HQ on December 6, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Donna Ward/Getty Images)
During one such discussion, Shaq gave his views regarding athletes discussing their problems regarding mental health. According to the Los Angeles Lakers legend, they should not complain about it considering their privileges in life.
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Shaq said, “Look, I struggle with things but I will not disrespect the people that are really going through it. I cannot. I live a great life so man up, shut up, be quiet, check your mental fortitude and you fix it.”
This is not the first time O’Neal has bashed athletes for discussing their mental health. Shaquille O’Neal famously criticized the then Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons.
Shaquille O’Neal once bashed NBA star for making mental health ‘excuses’
Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets was one of the biggest talking points for the fans and the media during the entirety of the 2021-22 season. He had some issues with the 76er and refused to play for them citing mental health reasons. Moreover, his relationship with the team forced him out of it.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 28: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets looks out during game against the Toronto Raptors at Barclays Center on February 28, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michelle Farsi/Getty Images)
Simmons joined the Nets while James Harden went the other way. Despite all the hype, Simmons’ injury issues have prevented him from playing even a single game for the team.
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This again became a center of media debates with analysts and fans roasting the former All-Star. Shaquille O’Neal was not one to stay back as he brutally scrutinized Simmons during ‘Inside the NBA’.
He also once commented on Simmons’ mental health situation. According to the former NBA champion, Simmons was using mental health as an excuse for refusing to take to the court. Safe to say, his comments didn’t sit well with a large section of fans who disapproved of Shaq.
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Do you agree with Shaquille O’Neal? Let us know in the comments down below.
