BREAKING: Former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal has made a seven-word comment about Coach Kim Mulkey that could impact her future career after he personally criticized and threatened her
In a recent podcast appearance, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal made a seven-word comment about LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey that has ignited a firestorm of controversy. The comment, made during an episode of “The Big Podcast with Shaq,” was brief but pointed: “She did a terrible job of coaching.”
This remark comes on the heels of LSU’s disappointing 94-87 loss to Iowa in the 2024 NCAA Women’s Elite Eight, a game where LSU’s defense was criticized for failing to contain Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, who scored 41 points. O’Neal’s comment echoes similar sentiments expressed by other analysts, such as Shannon Sharpe, who also criticized Mulkey’s coaching decisions during that game.
O’Neal’s criticism is particularly significant given his close relationship with LSU star Angel Reese. In a previous podcast episode, O’Neal alluded to a time when Reese had a “problem with Kim [Mulkey],” suggesting that there may have been tension between the player and coach. O’Neal advised Reese to “take your punishment like a soldier and then come back,” indicating his support for the player during a challenging period.
The fallout from O’Neal’s comment has been swift. Supporters of Mulkey have defended her coaching record, highlighting her four national championships and her role in leading LSU to the NCAA title in 2023. However, critics argue that O’Neal’s remarks shed light on underlying issues within the LSU women’s basketball program, including concerns about player-coach relationships and team dynamics.
In response to the backlash, O’Neal has yet to issue a public apology. The controversy continues to unfold, with many questioning the impact of such high-profile criticisms on the future of Coach Kim Mulkey and the LSU women’s basketball program.
