“Listen, all the guys I punched, I ain't never apologized” – Shaquille O'Neal accepts getting into several altercations, believes the leaked video of Draymond Green is the sole reason for his public apology
Add Shaquille O'Neal to the list of NBA players and media members weighing in on four-time NBA champion Draymond Green punch of Jordan Poole.
After Green punched Poole in the face in practice last week, the Warriors' brass went into damage-control mode, attempting to minimize the story. Unfortunately for the franchise, the day following general manager Bob Myers' news conference, an anonymous source leaked video of the scuffle.
Although Green received no suspension from Golden State, the Warriors veteran apologized to teammates and Poole before taking a leave of absence. According to Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal, Green apologized simply because the video surfaced and he had to. As he recalled during a recent episode of "The Big Podcast," he never apologized for a scuffle in practice.
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"He only did that because the video got leaked," O'Neal said. "Listen, all the guys I punched, I ain't never apologized. I said, 'Keep talking. This can happen every day.'"
O'Neal is no stranger to getting into altercations. From heated moments with Charles Oakley and Dennis Rodman, to his longstanding rivalry-turned-friendship with Charles Barkley, O'Neal is never one to mince words or hold his tongue.
Shaquille O'Neal weighs in on Green and Poole's future
Although many have remained skeptical about the Warriors' season given that Green and Poole are at odds, Shaquille O'Neal has a different take. To O'Neal, it's a myth that players have to like each other and get along to win together.
O'Neal has had his own share of feuds with teammates. However, he's also managed to win at the highest levels of the game. Given that O'Neal and Draymond Green share an outspoken nature, it's no surprise that he sees some similarities between the situation and others he experienced during his career
Since the altercation, fans and critics alike have questioned whether the two can coexist. In addition to likely having a tense locker-room atmosphere, many have wondered what the chemistry will be like when the two step onto the court together. Given that both are in the midst of contract negotiations, Golden State could be in for some controversy this season.
With just days to go until the start of the season, we want to hear from you. Do you think O'Neal is right and these two stars will find a way to work together in order to win? Or will the altercation be too much for the two to overcome and lead to Green parting ways with the Warriors? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below.