Memo to Shaq: Seriously, stop embarrassing yourself
The TMZ.com clip with Shaq freestyling (if labeling it as such even does the rap genre justice) a diss to Kobe is quickly gaining chatter among our readers, SportsCenter and the talk radio circuit. The language prevents me from linking directly to it, but if you want to find it, I trust you're all Internet savvy enough to figure out the navigation. Honestly, this is the kind of post topic I hate to even waste my time with, but I guess I'm somewhat obligated as a Lakers blogger to offer an opinion. So here it is.
Shaquille O'Neal is a jackass.
Mind you, I'm not saying this to "take Kobe's side". This isn't
even about "taking sides". If Shaq doesn't like Kobe, whatever, I couldn't care less, it's his right. I got more important things to worry about than The Diesel's Christmas card list. But if you're unwilling to let the past go (and honestly, were I Shaq, I don't know if I could forgive Kobe blabbing to the Colorado PD, either), at least be
straight up about it. Don't go telling ESPN that you're "happy for" and "proud of" Kobe's MVP season, then turn and blast him in such nakedly petty fashion. Are we really supposed to believe you're "proud" of a guy who, according to you, "ruined your marriage?" Really? You were swelling with pride three weeks ago, but have since decided to mock Kobe for coming up short in the Finals? Seems like something of a stretch (similar to your explanation that it was all "just in fun"). Perhaps you'd be better off simply stating that Bryant had a great season and leaving it with some degree of actual sincerity.
Here's another idea I'll run by Mr. Fu. Start talking less, period. For a guy on a rapid decline and now mostly relevant for weighing down (literally and figuratively) the Phoenix Suns after a horrendous trade, Shaq sure does seem willing to chat himself up like he's still balling in his prime. Instead of talking about the body part Kobe should be kissing or how you're better than Kareem, try talking with your trainer about how to get in shape and possibly make good on the promise that your time in the desert would equal a title. Or try talking about a topic that doesn't involve your ex-teammates. Seriously, is there anybody in the NBA more willing to throw dudes he used to play with under the bus? First Penny Hardaway. Then Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson. Most recently, Ricky Davis and that lightning bolt for controversy, Chris Quinn. Because clearly, your productivity, great health and ability to stay out of foul trouble during your last days in Miami merited a better caliber of teammate to chauffeur you along to a fifth title. Glad you took that rookie point guard most folks need to Google to know who the hell I'm referencing down a peg.
I'm still willing to buy O'Neal as a good teammate, as enough people have seemed to enjoy sharing roster space with him. But is there a worse EX-TEAMMATE in the league? If I'm Steve Nash or Amare Stoudemire, I've already marked my calender
for a year and a half from now when Shaq's expiring contract gets moved
to Charlotte and he starts calling them "selfish." It'll be a
plum development for Gerald Wallace, however, who'll spend February-April of
2010 suddenly anointed as "the best small forward I ever played with." Like I said a few years back when Shaq pulled a shameless Staples cameo, Kobe may not be the easiest teammate in the world to play with, but behavior like this is something he just seems above. Kobe's most notorious public teammate trashing (this summer with Andrew Bynum) was inexcusable, but at least he presumably figured his thoughts were being shared with a couple random parking lot dudes in private. Shaq doesn't even seem interested in this kind of crap unless there's an audience on hand.
Honestly, it's somewhere between cringe-inducing and just plain sad to watch Shaq grow so obviously uncomfortable with not being the dominant force he was once was. To see that blatant need to remain in the spotlight, even when his play doesn't merit such props. He's turned into the basketball version of a dude undergoing a mid-life crisis. If he didn't already have a fleet's worth, I'd expect to see Shaq pacing around in a Porsche dealership trying to figure out if a red, black or silver exterior makes him look youngest. To say he's not handling this transition well would be an understatement. And every time he opens his mouth in such stupid fashion, he's only further tarnishing a HOF career in its twilight and risking being remembered as an immature and graceless jerk. It's not the way I'd wrap up a brilliant basketball life, but hey, the world isn't mine, so what do I know?
One last note: That violent force you felt underneath the ground was The Notorious B.I.G. rolling over in his grave after being dragged into this nonsense. At least reference Vanilla Ice or somebody less talented.
AK
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I just watched it.
Shaq is a total jerk. To bring all this crap up again seems pointless. Why? Why?Why?
attention whore
Posted by: mcfly | June 23, 2008 at 05:28 PM
AK, your comments echo my own thoughts. I've been saying Shaq is a jackass for years. It's amazing to me that people still listen to and support this idiot. The fact that he is trying to blame KB for ruining his marriage when his wife supposedly stole money from him (at KB's urging I guess?) and squirreled it away for herself; that he said he didn't give a [crap] if Pat Riley was disappointed in him because of the comments he made about the Heat's staff; all this just goes to show how totally self-involved he is. Can we just ignore him from now on?
Posted by: SoCalGal | June 23, 2008 at 05:29 PM
SHAQ cannot rap period HAHA
Posted by: Tom | June 23, 2008 at 05:29 PM
LOL.
Posted by: Grady | June 23, 2008 at 05:34 PM
My grandmother (GOD rest her SOUL) useta always say, "Stupid is as Stupid Does" .. That would be Shaq!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | June 23, 2008 at 05:36 PM
Nice!
Posted by: GerBear | June 23, 2008 at 05:41 PM
With Kobe putting Shaq on front street about the whole snitch on a _itch thingy, that's dead now, and sure he went against the code but he hasn't done anything like that since then. I dont even think Kobe understood the "code" to be honest! He was just a young & dumb and tryna get him some! They were both very young and dumb players then (Shaq still is) and Kobe sometimes does dumb things too but get over it already! Yet Shaquisha keeps dwelling on it like a scorned _itch! I mean dead it already!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | June 23, 2008 at 05:41 PM
The Lakers future is unlimited.
Our young players will grow stronger and wiser.
Go lakers!
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | June 23, 2008 at 05:51 PM
Bravo AK!
Bravo!
Finally! I agree with you on something lol.
Shaq is as classless as he is giving. He is pure on a media whore, there is not other way around it.
Posted by: Faith | June 23, 2008 at 05:53 PM
Shaq? Who the F is Shaq? I never heard of him...
Now, on to something serious!
Since this is an election year, and the Laker-Nation has been presumptively recognized by the U.N. (with the Syrian delegation abstaining LOL), I propose that we elect some officials.
I nominate Laker Tom for President: a true and unwavering patriot, an articulate spokesman for the national agenda - who else would you want holding onto our nuclear launch codes?
I nominate Caliosipher for Minister of Education. 'Nuff said.
I nominate Jon K for Director of Central Intelligence. I simply feel that's one cat who would thrive running covert op's around the globe. Please kick me if I'm wrong.
I nominate Just-Another-Mamba-Fan to be the Senate Majority Leader. A calculated move, to ensure that the bandwagons and roll-calls are permanently enshrined in the National Archives. Again, please kick me if I'm wrong.
I feel that Rick Friedman should head up the F.B.I., that Faith should be Secretary of Defense (wins championships!) and that PsychedLakerGirl will make an excellent Secretary of State, who can then appoint embassadors to post on the enemy blogs.
Ed G, SHEKOBE, Complex B...the list is too long for the top of my head, but all of these skilled and dedicated Citizens of our Republic must be elected to high offices as well.
Lastly, I nominate the K-Brothers to officially assume the leadership of our National Security Agency - responsible for gathering signals intelligence. (they kind of do this already...)
Sure, our new Government won't be perfect. We'll have enemy spies in our midst (Butler) and whistle-blowers (Do You See?) But if we work together, in the spirit of true fans, yadda-yadda...
Oops...My bread is burning...gotta GO!
Posted by: karyanr | June 23, 2008 at 05:53 PM
BTW, Enquirer has the a write up on Kobe and this Laker girl on last page b4 the backpage of their most recent edition. Garbage! THey are worse than Weekly World News and the NY Post combined!
I couldn't resist reading it though as my Auntie had the mag. They also have a picture of The Infamous Colorado skank, and all I can say is that she isnt the most attractive person in the world, but I guess she was down for whatever with Kobe!! LOL
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | June 23, 2008 at 05:54 PM
AK you're on point!!!
shaq is continuously giving the Lakers more reasons to NEVER retire #34 ! He doesn't deserve to be on that wall!
Posted by: rah | June 23, 2008 at 05:56 PM
AK,
Excellent take on the Most Dumbest Ever.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 23, 2008 at 05:57 PM
I don't see why any of us are surprised...I mean this is the same dude that has done this throughout his career here. While being the most unprofessional athlete in our laker teams.
What we should be more upset about are the media folk that act like this is excusable. That this is just Shaq being Shaq. Screw that. Stop the double standard. It's time to call on him for being a punk like AK just did. Start recognizing that perhaps the problem during our dynasty wasn't so much Kobe or Phil. But ALL OF THEM. Shaq included (if not a large part of it).
Posted by: Faith | June 23, 2008 at 05:59 PM
That's crazy to think that ONE MAN can occupy your mind like that, I am blown...Shaq def has some deep-seeded issues about Kobe and obviously acceptance and fear of rejection type stuff going on.
Shaq needs to see a SHRINK..Where is Dr. Melfi (from the Soprano's ) when we need her! I am dead-ass serious.
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | June 23, 2008 at 06:00 PM
Classless!! The bum even had the nerve to mention Kareem!
Posted by: CharlotteLakerFan | June 23, 2008 at 06:07 PM
Hey , I am the big Kobe supporter and I think Kobe will win more championships than Shaq , eventually.
That said , there is no excuse and no explanation for what he done to Shaq during his arrest in Colorado.
Nobody should not even try to pretend what Kobe's actions were any less than absolute betrayal and back stabbing.
I understand , Kobe was very scared and did it not to get back at Shaq , but out of pure emotional stress he was put under by the investigation for such a serious matter as rape.
I do not think Kobe raped that woman if anybody cares about my opinion and I do not think he is a rat, however one should be able to understand Shaq's never ending bitterness about this matter.
I think Kobes testimony about Shaq's involvement with some women was the main reason for his eventual divorce and a loss of very substantial amount of money in the process.
Would any of you have forgiven if your friend done the same to you ? NEVER !
Posted by: novolakers | June 23, 2008 at 06:08 PM
AK,
Nice summation.
The sort of funny thing to me is that I've watched Kobe rap. I thought he was a lot better than Shaq, not that Shaq isn't about as good a rapper as his Superman tattoo is mature.
Maybe Shaq is just really insensitive (which wouldn't be all that surprising for someone so self-absorbed and famous) and thinks being a good teammate must involve disowning all previous teammates. It's not a terribly bright thing to do, but Shaq never struck me as terribly bright.
I'd still like to add a thanks to him for his role in our early 2k 3 peat.
Posted by: Benjamin | June 23, 2008 at 06:18 PM
Thanks AK for speaking our mind
Posted by: Baywood | June 23, 2008 at 06:18 PM
As much as Shaq annoys me.... That was pretty funny. All in good fun:)
Posted by: FrankBrickowski | June 23, 2008 at 06:26 PM
Shaq's comments about being proud of Kobe, looks like all hedging for fear of the Lakers winning it all.
Here's to many more years of Shaq, at home, sweating it out on the world's most unfortunate couch, watching the Lakers make title runs.
Lakers win one for Shaq!
Posted by: Doublehaul | June 23, 2008 at 06:27 PM
AK
"What are you really trying to say?"
- Stargazin (what he would be saying if he replied back to AK)
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | June 23, 2008 at 06:31 PM
What the heck are you talking about, AK?!!!
Vanilla Ice was the shiznit! Why does this man don't get no respect, bro? Why he be dragged into this mess Shaq-Fu created? Word!
Posted by: the don | June 23, 2008 at 06:31 PM
Wow! Shaq is such a dumbass. His need for attention is just beyond pathetic. A very immature man who has no sense of decency much more a grasp of reality.
I will be against having his number retired at Staples center. He has just totally burned the bridges.
All those people bashing Kobe because of their love for Shaq, I assume they should have a better perspective now as to who was/is the real jerk.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!
Posted by: Lakergurl | June 23, 2008 at 06:34 PM
You don't tell on me and I won't tell on you for cheating on your wife.
- NBA Code of Honor
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | June 23, 2008 at 06:36 PM
Good day Laker fans,
Just posted my thoughts about Shaq's rap clip on Ira Newble's Report Card blog section. Please read. You won't be disappointed.
Another thing to add to his recent actions just as food for thought. Wasn't he the one who left an injured D Wade hanging this past season by demanding a trade and even dissed Pat Riley (hall of famer) out of all people? Unappreciative! Unbelievable! Talk about being an example.
As long as he continues to bring up the past and blame others for it and present failures by others through the media and rap, his future will not include ANY MORE RINGS. NONE! He is now officially become bulletin board material for Kobe and gang and believe it or not, maybe the rest of the league. He always has something to say about others. He might as well talk about KG and company as well. Why not? If he wants an edge now, why not direct it to the champion Celtics. They now have what he desperately wants. They are now the standard his Suns will never be or become. Kobe's Lakers can match that standard bar none.
Shaq! Shaq! Shaq! You have definitely awaken a sleeping and angry giant (Kobe) that YOU shook your hands with before a game in a sign of forgiveness and moving on for the whole nation and world to see. You even complemented his MVP year. How can you say it was done in fun. I'm sure the other teams REALLY APPRECIATE THAT. BTW, thanks for that too. The Lakers will now circle the dates they play your Suns and will proceed to steal your displaced pride. I'm a very disappointed fan of yours. Heck, I even adored you as a player and funny person at times. I thought you matured and understood the importance of self control in that regard.
An apology to all fans is in order since you were the one who supposedly forgave all. Remember? Laker pride and vengence awaits you sir! Not even your rap clips can beat that!
Posted by: flexor | June 23, 2008 at 06:40 PM
Shaq knows that Kobe and the Lakers were the best thing that ever happened to him. I cannot begin to imagine the depth of trauma to his psyche when they spurned him.
Kobe saying that he's over it and the Lakers' stating that they wish the could have kept him is probably the worst thing to say to Shaq. The saying "be nice to your enemies, it will drive them crazy" applies so true to Shaq. The worse feeling in the world would be that your perceived arch enemies feel nothing but pity for you.
He has to let it go. The bitterness is eating him alive.
Just my amateur psycho babble. Worth at least 2 cents.
Posted by: p ang | June 23, 2008 at 06:41 PM
shaq is a classy guy (sarcasm intended)...... im glad he's not a laker. the lakers need someone crazy to stand up to guys that take shots at kobe. artest would be perfect. although, shaq would kill him. at least artest could respond to this non-sense in a rap of his own.
Posted by: fdiz | June 23, 2008 at 06:41 PM
Shaq made it to the D-List. He needs attention because his basketball skills are lacking and couldn't get his new team beyond. Poor Suns! As long as they have Shaq they will not go anywhere.
Posted by: No. Cal Girl | June 23, 2008 at 06:47 PM
In the video i think i saw BUTLER crying in the front row...
Posted by: Thirty2 | June 23, 2008 at 06:48 PM
I agree, AK, somewhere between cringe-inducing and plain sad. Shaq was probably under a chemical influence of some kind, and feeling grandiose (i.e. "Big") and some unprocessed, still simmering resentment came out in a way I suspect he'll feel embarrassed about later. BTW, what has Shaq ever done withouit an all-nba guard? I'll be interested to see if Kobe continues to take the high road after this tasteless, classless outburst.
Posted by: Laker Kev | June 23, 2008 at 06:52 PM
Shaq just showed us all how ignorant and stupid he is and has always been. He is truly an embarassment to Black people worldwide. I am ashamed to think that his big ignorant mouth represents us people of color. Shaw, shut the hell up and go away. You are a has been and not ever will you have any class.
Posted by: Bill | June 23, 2008 at 06:56 PM
FOLKS WELCOME TO THE AGE OF DARKNESS:
Shaq is no different than someone snatching a purse from an innocent by stander. I am a bit cuaght off gaurd, simply because SHAQ led us to believe that he really liked Kobe.
FORTUNATELY, LIGHT EXISTS, WHEN LIT DARKNESS NO LONGER EXIST.
Shaq you need to spend some time searching deep within and find answers to your own internal battles/deamons. I truly hope that you find Peace within, amigo.
GREATEST OF CIVILIZATIONS TOO CAME TO AN END.. NOW IN RUINS.
So after all it is all an illusion and SHAQ takes the cake for telling us all as to how "fabulous" of a player Kobeis..hmmm
SHAQ=20TH CENTURY BRUTUS
ET Brutus
Posted by: ET Brutus | June 23, 2008 at 07:00 PM
If Phil Jackson had played DJ Mbenga in the finals, Shaq would still be married.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 23, 2008 at 07:02 PM
According to Shaq and the media, Kobe is reponsible for the following things:
1.) The 2004 split
2.) Shaq gaining 3984985 pounds
3.) Shaq's divorce
4.) The reason Shaq was traded to Pheonix
5.) Shaq and the Funs' first round exit
6.) Lakers 2008 Finals
7.) Phil's hip replacement
8.) Global Warming
9.) World Hunger
10.) and Al Qaeda
Posted by: bobie | June 23, 2008 at 07:03 PM
When basketball career goes downhill, he relies on the 2nd job a**rap singing, 3rd job Big Cop(y). Now we have a clue, the end is near.
Karyanr,
On the new government, you mean I'll be an ambassador of The Enquirer of lakers bloops.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 23, 2008 at 07:04 PM
I agree...well written opinion on these events. Shaq is a jerk.
Posted by: hectorartm | June 23, 2008 at 07:05 PM
Colorado still hangs over Kobe's head.
What Kobe said about Shaq to the police was totally wrong and he should not have said. It was an emotional response to an emotional time. I don't think he intended to hurt Shaq like that all.
As far as Shaq blaming Kobe for his marriage, he needs to turn to Superhead because she had alot to say about him in her sleazy book that I will never read. But I know she talks about him.
Kobe kinda of deserve this because of the way he put Bynum out there last spring. Even if he had no idea he was on camera What goes around does come around, but it does not mean it is right
The injustice here is that Kobe usual does not respond to things like this. He never responded to Curt Shilling, and I don't expect him to respond to Shaq. In a way its not fair to him, because we know nobody will take is back (basically someone to do his dirty laundry for him) And either way he is too old for this
Shaq on the other is 34. Man you have stop acting like a child. If bygone is bygone, then let it go. Honestly, I am not surprised by Shaq. He will not grow up. Kobe needs to handle this situation like he has always does, know that he was wrong for talking about Shaq to the authorities. He has already apologized to Shaq for it and he should leave it like that.
The funny thing about Shaq is that he picks on people he knows do not have the type of personality to fire back at him. He knows Kareem will not fire back, he knows Ewing will not fire back so he takes his shot. If he really had a horse ball he would say those things about Barkley, Jordan, Oakley or people that will tear him up.
Posted by: wow | June 23, 2008 at 07:10 PM
How about this! Let's give #34 to AB next season and really rub it in Shaq's nose. Let's give Shaq the shaft!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 23, 2008 at 07:11 PM
All in good fun? BS...
Dude needs to let it go...Shaq's having "Twilight of my career" issues...
Does anyone really think that he would've won another ring without D-Wade? If recall Shaq was struggling to get 10 and 10 during the Finals...
Can't wait to see our boys bring home the Gold this summer! Next year belongs to the Lakers!!!!!
Peace,
AC
Posted by: Acjunglist702 | June 23, 2008 at 07:16 PM
SHAQ! You're hilarious!! LOL...aaawww people, he's just having fun! LOL!
Posted by: Amused | June 23, 2008 at 07:18 PM
AK
I completely agree that Shaq is a Jackass. Even more he is a dumba$$ed jackass. He should just retire in oblivion as he mentally already there.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | June 23, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Stay classy Shaq, stay classy. Because, like we've heard you say one million times, you're a classy big man, right.
The first person that needs an apology is Kareem, because he has absolutely nothing to do with this matter. And there's also no way to say Shaq was better than Kareem. More talented? Yes. More accomplished and the person who got the most of their abilities, that's definitely Kareem.
And I guess Shaq wanted to make sure the Suns played the Lakers on Christmas again since his fat butt missed the first meeting with Miami with his annual injury. Gotta sell those tickets, baby!
Posted by: Xodus | June 23, 2008 at 07:34 PM
AK/BK
When will we see Mbengas exit interview?
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | June 23, 2008 at 07:36 PM
I hope Kobe just keeps quiet about this. Someone needs to take the high road for once...at least until the Lakers play the Suns next season. :)
Posted by: cheapassgamer | June 23, 2008 at 07:38 PM
Is shaq a moron, really? He was free sylin' - maybe a little immature- but that's all, he was just having fun - sticks and stones, that type of thing...how about the Kobe yapping to the police, implying shaq was involved with cover -ups or crimes or marital infidelity - that will always make Kobe the biggest moron - or rat - of the two. No matter what homer fans like AK say....
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | June 23, 2008 at 07:58 PM
You dumb laker fans make me sick! You guys will never win a championship with Kobe! Kobe is and always will be a snitch. Why do you think the players are playing like crap so that they get traded. The Lakers won because Shaq was the leader, and the other players respected him. How was Kobe too young for the "Code"? Your parents teach you the "code" when you are young, "don't snitch on your brother"! I'm glad that Shaq "lame" rap hit you guys hard, because you fools need to be reminded that Kobe is a selfish ball player. It's going to be funny as hell when Shaq wins his 5th with the Suns. The Lakers had their chance just like the Sixers a few years ago, and will never sniff another chance again!
Posted by: Voop | June 23, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Shaq has 2 years left at 20 million each. The talk among the Suns experts is Shaq will be traded in the final year for his expiring contract.
Shaq said he would retire first.
But having financial troubles, there is no way Shaq will be able to say no to the money.
So in the end, the Great Whiner, will end up on some 'sorry ass' last place team, the same way Kwame did. (How does that taste Shaq?)
A sad and fitting end for the old fool.
SHAQ'S NUMBER RETIRED???
He did some good stuff for us, but that spot on the wall is a Lakers place of honor and has no room for fools!
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | June 23, 2008 at 08:00 PM
AK - I can honestly say that I have never agreed with you more than on this topic. Spot on.
I never understood this whole "ratting out" issue. Did Kobe tell the cops this info so Shaq would get arrested instead of Kobe? Clearly not. That's what "ratting out" is.
Actually, what Kobe did was a lot like the whole Bynum/parking lot thing, he made comments that he thought were private and he was susequently sold out.
Once, by the two parking lot jerks for money and the other time by a prosecution trying to embarrass Kobe publicly to cover up for the fact that they didn't have a case.
Posted by: Jman449 | June 23, 2008 at 08:05 PM
SHAQ POLL - VOTE ON LAT.COM
The LA Times web site now has a poll on the Shaq controversy. The "vote" widget is at the bottom of the article:
http://tinyurl.com/6bh2cs
In the morning, I will post a request for a band wagon on my proposal for the Lakers to give Andrew Bynum the #34 jersey to wear next season.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 23, 2008 at 08:09 PM