“Taking Down the Flag.. That’s Gonna Upset a Lot of People”: Shaquille O’Neal Called for Peace in NASCAR Amid Bubba Wallace Story in 2020

Four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal is not one to shy away from speaking out his opinions. Whether it is a socio-political issue or something pertaining to the basketball court, O’Neal never fails to give his two cents.

Back in 2020, popular NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace was the center of all the attraction. He had called for a ban of confederate flags from NASCAR events. His role in the ban was lauded by drivers and fans around the world.

However, an incident before one of the races sent the driver fuming and the FBI was called in to investigate a hate crime. Talking about the incident, Shaq gave his thoughts about the whole issue. According to him, banning the flags would’ve agitated a lot of people.

Shaquille O’Neal gave his verdict on the Bubba Wallace incident in 2020

Popular driver Bubba Wallace signed to NBA legend Michael Jordan‘s NASCAR team was all over the news in 2020. He had persuaded the authorities to ban confederate flags from its events. While many lauded the decision, many bashed the authorities and also Wallace.

READ MORE: Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Driver Bubba Wallace and Billionaire NBA Rival Headline Major Tech Conference

According to a section of fans, the flag represents their Southern Heritage and is not a symbol of racism. In response, Wallace had asserted that he wanted every fan coming to a race to feel comfortable.

Speaking on this issue, Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal gave his thoughts. Shaq said, “I believe him when he said it wasn’t there before, you know, somebody’s trying to persuade him. There is a lot of stuff going around in NASCAR. Taking down the flags, I’m sure that’s gonna upset a lot of people.”

Wallace found himself in yet another major controversy right after these events. Before the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, Wallace’s team stumbled upon the noose in their garage.

Authorities and Wallace were enraged as it was apparently a hate crime. The FBI was called in to investigate and they concluded that the noose had been there for a long time. Therefore, Wallace was not a victim of hate crime.

WATCH THIS STORY: “I Haven’t Accepted Her..” – Bubba Wallace Once Revealed Why His Girlfriend Was Forbidden to Do Something Everybody Else Could

Do you agree with what Shaquille O’Neal said about the incident? Let us know in the comments down below.