Shaquille ONeal calls for NBA star who banked | NBA News

NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal has launched a scathing assault on Ben Simmons, suggesting the Los Angeles Clippers guard needs to be “needs to be arrested” for allegedly swindling over £155million ($200m) all through his profession. The towering former centre, who boasts 4 NBA titles and 1,207 video games underneath his belt throughout a glittering 19-year profession, hung up his sneakers in 2011. Now a revered NBA analyst for TNT Sports, drawing in a cool $15 million yearly for his insights, Shaq’s ardour for the sport he as soon as dominated stays undimmed.

Speaking on ‘The Big Podcast’ alongside comic Roy Wood Jr. , Shaq did not maintain back when discussing LeBron James’ enduring presence within the league and the perceived decline in participant high quality. He lambasted at this time’s gamers for not dwelling up to previous legends, straight calling out Simmons for what he views as theft of a lavish life-style.

“People get mad. It’s just a product of what I’ve seen,” O’Neal declared. “I’ve seen what greatness is, been there, played with ’em. I don’t see that all the time over here. So, you want me to give these motherf—– the same props you giving them?

“That s— won’t ever occur. You can call it hate if you’d like. People say Charles [Barkley] and I, we spoil the sport speaking in regards to the product. Because the product is s—. Show me greatness. Like, y’all pay a lot of money for these sneakers, I wish to see motherf—— be great.

“And I’m always going to stay on them and motivate them to be great. They can call it ‘hate’ all they want, but I ain’t sucking these motherf—— off just because they make $400 million. A lot of these motherf—— can’t play – and they know it, in any f—— era. They can’t f—— play. [I’m] just saying.”

O’Neal then praised gamers like Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Jayson Tatum, however did not maintain back when it got here to Simmons. “A couple of these guys can play, but a lot of these motherf—— can’t play,” O’Neal added.

“Ben f—— Simmons, that motherf—– needs to be arrested. $250 [million] for that bulls—? Get the f— out of my face. Robbing people, man. You can’t do that.”

Simmons was the highest decide within the 2016 NBA Draft, however his profession has been stricken by accidents. He missed his first season because of damage, a recurring theme all through his profession.

However, he made an spectacular debut within the 2017-18 season, incomes the title of Rookie of the Year and three consecutive All-Star picks.

While enjoying for Philadelphia, Simmons appeared to be heading in the right direction. But the whole lot modified when he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in February 2022 for future first-round picks.

Shortly after the commerce, Simmons was identified with a herniated disk in his back and was sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Simmons made a comeback within the following season with an look on October 19, 2022, however encountered one more setback with a back damage in March 2023, this one inflicting nerve injury that noticed him immediately sidelined for the remainder of the marketing campaign and absent for the initial 38 video games of the next season.

On February 8, the Nets finalised a buyout of Simmons’ contract. Within simply two days, he signed a $1.08 million one-year deal with the Clippers.

Over his profession, Simmons has pocketed upwards of $200 million, a sum bolstered by the colossal $170 million five-year contract inked with the 76ers on July 15, 2019.

Throughout his NBA journey, Simmons has clocked in 379 matches but has additionally missed 108 because of varied accidents and personal issues. Now, settled in Los Angeles, Simmons opened up to the New York Post about his new chapter.

“Feels like home, honestly,” he shared.

“I never really felt like New York was home for me. Being in LA, I feel like me as a person, it’s my kind of scenery or environment to be in. I think I thrive in situations like that. It was a blessing and a great experience to be in New York and experience being in New York City, there’s no city in the world like it. But I’m happy where I’m at, I love being in LA.”

This article initially appeared on Mirror US