Athletes are often under a lot of scrutiny in the world of social media. And many fail to understand the responsibility they have as influencers. The slightest of mistakes can cause a ripple effect. What happened with a former NFL QB in the pregame discussion of Monday Night Football caused the same. Despite subsequent explanation and apology, Shaquille O’Neal ripped into the former Washington Redskins star Robert Griffin III for his remarks. During the discussion, the Lakers legend also admitted how he still fears his mother, Lucille O’Neal.

Griffin III’s blunder on camera was followed by a weird explanation, which was made fun of by O’Neal. The Lakers legend went on to mention how his mother wouldn’t let him have it if he said such things on live television.

Shaquille O’Neal on how his mother wouldn’t let him get away if he misspoke on Live TV

The Los Angeles Lakers legend is 50 years old, but still very much respects his parents. Shaquille O’Neal and the crew of The Big Shaq podcast discussed the recent incident on Monday Night Football. Robert Griffin III used some accidental racially charged language while praising Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts. 

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Griffin III immediately issued a statement, where he apologized for his words, insisting that it was a genuine mistake. The former NFL QB’s apology didn’t go well with O’Neal and the crew as they continuously made fun of him. The 2012 NFL Offensive rookie of the year claimed that he wanted to say “Bug-a-boo” instead of the racial slur. O’Neal continuously pointed out that nobody calls anyone “Bug-a-boos” and he’s never heard of the word.

In fact, Shaq couldn’t control his laughter as he sarcastically said “Rudy Gobert is one of the biggest Bug-a-Boos in the NBA right now” joking about his long-term beef with the Minnesota Timberwolves superstar. The Lakers legend basically was not convinced by Griffin III’s apology. He further added, “Come on RGIII you made a mistake, just take the hit, just move on.”

As Shaq’s laughter died down his colleague, Anthony ‘Spice’ Adams asked if he ever said something he shouldn’t have. To which Shaq replied that even if he did, his mother Dr. Lucille O’Neal would hold him accountable.

“I’m not worried what the people gonna say, I’m worried about what Dr. Lucille gon’ say,” said Shaq. He further added, “guess what, whenever I make a mistake, my momma is the first one to call.”

The four-time NBA Champion further explained how his words are generally from a sarcastic point of view. But whenever he genuinely makes a mistake he doesn’t take the time to apologize.

The aftermath of Griffin III’s words

RGIII’s words contained a racial slur that was considered inappropriate by the majority of people. The tweet highlighting the segment went viral and the former NFL QB had to uncomfortably explain his stance on the situation.

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Although his explanation did seem to be coming from the right place, as he was praising Hurts, it still received a lot of flak from the Internet.