In Photos: Shaquille O'Neal, Doc Rivers and Candace Parker star in "Timeout" campaign led by Patriots' Robert Kraft
Shaquille O'Neal, Doc Rivers and Candace Parker have joined Robert Kraft’s project to call a “#TimeOut Against Hate” campaign. The New England Patriots CEO, through his Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, has united the commissioners of the biggest leagues in North America for the movement.
Per multiple reports, Kraft met with Roger Goodell (NFL), Adam Silver (NBA), Rob Manfred (MLB), Cathy Engelbert (WNBA) and other commissioners to launch the project.
The commissioners aren’t the only ones taking a stand, though. O’Neal, Rivers and Parker, as well as former and current athletes and coaches, are joining the fight against hate.
Robert Kraft released a statement regarding the motive for the never-before-seen collaborative effort:
“In sports, we call a ‘timeout’ when things are heading in the wrong direction and right now, in our country, hate is winning, and we need to change the momentum.
“Bringing together the commissioners of North America's major sports leagues for this campaign is a historic and crucial step in our fight against all hate. By uniting under a common cause, we amplify our message and demonstrate that the power of sports extends beyond stadiums, arenas and fields, and into our communities."
Shaquille O'Neal, Candace Parker, Doc Rivers and LA Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh all had the “timeout” sign in Adam Schefter’s collage on X, formerly Twitter.
Fans react to Shaquille O'Neal, Candace Parker and Doc Rivers appearing in Robert Kraft’s “#Timeout” initiative
Robert Kraft’s project “#TimeOut Against Hate” is bigger than any athlete, businessman, celebrity or CEO. However, putting faces to the campaign other than the commissioners of major sports in North America was necessary to help bring more awareness to the initiative
Fans reacted to Kraft’s call and Shaquille O'Neal, Candace Parker and Doc Rivers joining the ad:
“Let’s just play sports.”
One fan couldn’t resist taking a shot at the timing:
“Shouldve been a timeout a long time ago against men in women’s sports.”
@KarterKast dragged Chris Webber’s infamous gaffe in the NCAA into the conversation:
“Always knew Chris Webber was onto something.”
“l wanna know what the criteria was for getting your picture taken like this. What a group,” another fan commented.
Adam Silver and Cathy Engelbert were the basketball commissioners who met Robert Kraft, while Shaquille O'Neal, Jim Harbaugh, Candace Parker and Doc Rivers put their faces on the unique collaboration.