Many don’t agree with what he has said.
Shaquille O’Neal has put his head above the parapet and claimed that the likes of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese should be on similar contracts to their NBA counterparts.
The former Los Angeles Laker was at the Wintrust Arena on Friday to see Reese’s Chicago Sky take on Clark’s Indiana Fever, with the Fever running out 100-81 winners.
The ION broadcasters spotted Shaq in the arena and decided to go up and ask him about the boom of public interest in the WNBA which is partly down to players like Clark and Reese.
“They’ve always played great, they’ve always played hard. I’m glad they’re getting the exposure. They definitely deserve it,” Shaq said.
“Now we just gotta get them similar contracts as what some of these NBA guys are making,” he added.
Shaq mentored Reese
Shaq has got a vested interest in the career of Reese given he was a mentor to her during her college years and now in her WNBA career which is in its rookie year.
“Look, [Reese] plays hard, I like the way she plays,” Shaq responded. “I love her, I love the way Caitlin Clark is playing. The game right now is just at an all-time high for the females, and I’m happy for them.
“And again, I just hope they get similar pay that the guys are making,” he concluded.
On the court, the Sky had the lead 26-23 heading into the second period but then the Fever defense stepped up. They took a lead into the half and they scored more than 20 points or more on each quarter, including 31 in the third.
For Chicago, they only scored 22 in the third but a 16 and 17-point effort in the second and in the last period determined the way of the game and now they are set for a trial by social media.
Calling Angel Reese His ‘Daughter’, Shaquille O’Neal Expressed Excitement Over Watching Caitlin Clark ‘Up Close’
The latest game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever had all the elements of excitement. It marked the first matchup between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark since they teamed up during the WNBA All-Star break. If this wasn’t enough to get the crowd going, Shaquille O’Neal made the night even more memorable with a rare WNBA courtside appearance.
Upon arriving at the Sky’s Wintrust Arena, Shaq was swarmed with questions from Nice Kicks Hoops. He was asked about his relationship with the franchise’s star rookie and fellow LSU alumnus, Reese. ‘The Diesel’ revealed how he viewed the 22-year-old as his daughter. He even admitted to playing typical fatherly pranks on Reese to tease her.
“She [Angel Reese] is like a daughter to me. So, I’m gonna protect her. I will call her and I will just mess with her. But it’s great. She is our daughter.”During the brief interaction, O’Neal showcased his excitement of watching Reese play professionally for the first time. He was equally eager to see her nemesis, Clark.
“Very excited [to watch Angel Reese play]. It’s my first time watching her play as a pro and I get to see Caitlin Clark up close in person. So, looking forward to the game.“The game lived up to the hype. The star rookies were front and center throughout the game. For instance, Reese notched her 23rd double-double and 399th rebound with 10 points and 11 rebounds on the night. This helped her surpass the WNBA legend Tina Charles’ record for the most double-doubles and rebounds by a rookie.
However, Clark stole the spotlight. She recorded a double-double with 31 points and 12 assists to lead her team to a 100-81 victory. The Iowa-born shot an impressive 8-of-14 from the field and 5-of-9 from three-point range to help the franchise edge closer to the playoffs.
Although Reese failed to win the night, her efforts and Clark’s prowess undoubtedly made it unforgettable for Shaq. His appearance was even more special because of his connection with Reebok.
