Called “Motherfuc*er” in Public by His Own Dad, Shaquille O’Neal Bites Back at Baker Mayfield and Modern Athletes

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal was brought up by his mother and stepfather Phillip A. Harrison, who was a drill sergeant in the US military. Harrison treated Shaq as his own son and instilled in him the discipline to prosper in life. The Los Angeles Lakers legend often credits his success to his father and his ways of upbringing. While not many would agree with the ways of Harrison, O’Neal is grateful for it. Recently, Shaq called out NFL Quarter Back Baker Mayfield and modern athletes in general, citing the example of his father’s stringent lessons.

Baker Mayfield has been making the headlines recently. After a very successful college career, Mayfield did not quite live up to the expectations. Until recently, he has been making some clutch plays for the Los Angeles Rams.

Shaquille O’Neal on criticism

During the latest episode of the Big Podcast with Shaq, Shaquille O’Neal, and co-hosts Nischelle Turner, and Spice Adams talked about a variety of interesting things. In one instance during the show, Shaq was asked about Baker Mayfield. NFL veteran, Adams, proceeded to explain that Mayfield was cut by the North Carolina Panthers but then joined the Rams. He continued that immediately after joining the Rams, the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner led the team to a comeback win against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Turner said that she is happy for Mayfield because he has been through a lot in the last few months. However, O’Neal was not ready to agree as he kept shaking his head. He said, “That’s part of the business. You either gotta step up or you get stepped on. That’s it. There is no in-between.” 

READ MORE – Millionaire 25-Year-Old Son Boasts Super Rich Lifestyle as Shaquille O’Neal Preps for Big Bash With NFL Legend

The four-time champion then talked about his father Phillip A. Harrison’s advice not to worry about criticism. In fact, the drill sergeant advised Shaq to play better if flak from critics bothered him so much. As he was talking about it, Adams brought up the incident when his father wanted to speak with Shaq in the middle of an NBA playoff game.

O’Neal on his father’s ways

During the 2000 playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers were struggling against the Sacramento Kings. Shaquille O’Neal was not looking like himself away from home and Phillip A. Harrison was livid. So he called Shaq’s personal bodyguard and asked him to put his son on the phone. When the 2000 MVP spoke, the former sergeant had some harsh words for him. Shaq recently talked about this in his docuseries SHAQ.

WATCH THIS STORY –  Shaquille O’Neal Could Buy LeBron James’ Former Team Using $600 Million Net Worth

When Spice Adams talked about this incident on the podcast, O’Neal said his father was not happy when he did not put on a good show for the fans. He added whenever he does not put on a show, his father would call and he would get an earful. Shaq said, “As soon I know I’m getting the phone, I’m like, ‘Hello!’ And he just, ‘Moth*****ker! What the f**k am I watching?'”

The Big Diesel then noted that his father’s ways worked for him but it might not work with every child.