When Shaquille O'Neal won sex tape case involving extortion: All you need to know
Shaquille O'Neal is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history. The NBA Hall of Famer used his combination of size, skill, and athleticism to become, arguably, the most dominant player to ever play the game.
Off the court, O'Neal has established a massive net worth of $400 million. Over a decade ago, his immense wealth made him a target of extortion. A man named Robert Ross alleged that seven gang members beat, kidnapped, and robbed him under orders from the four-time NBA champion.
Ross claimed that he had a sex tape showing O'Neal cheating on his ex-wife Shaunie O'Neal. Ross alleged that the fall out was related to R&B singer Ray. He claimed to have brought the singer to O'Neal's record label, however, did not receive payment as promised. This, according to Ross, led to him threatening to release footage, captured on his home security camera, of O'Neal cheating on his ex-wife.
Additionally, he attempted to sell the footage to O'Neal's ex-wife, who declined the offer. Both law enforcement officers and Shaunie O'Neal were never shown the tape. Ultimately, the courts ruled in O'Neal's favor as the district attorney dismissed the case. The DA determined that Ross' actions, both in his testimony and outside the courtroom, led them to doubt his claims and credibility.
Watch Shaquille O'Neal's LA Lakers highlights below:
Shaquille O'Neal recently mocked Dwight Howard for dominating in Taiwan
Shaquille O'Neal has never turned down an opportunity to make jokes at Dwight Howard's expense. With Howard playing overseas and dominating in Taiwan, the 1999-2000 NBA MVP once again took aim at the three-time Defensive Player of the Year.
DWIGHT HOWARD attempted 10 THREES during his ridiculous debut in Taiwan
38 Points
14/32 Shooting
2/10 Threes
8/12 Free Throws
25 Rebounds
9 Assists
4 Blocks
https://t.co/wJztp0RLoT
Speaking on The Big Podcast with Shaq, the 15-time NBA All-Star stated:
"You should never be complimented for being a good father 'cause that's what you're supposed to do, right? He's supposed to have 30 points playing against dudes 5'8."
He added:
"This league reminds me of the Lifetime Fitness League every Saturday when I go work out on Saturdays... Great job Dwight, I'm proud of you."
Watch Shaquille O'Neal's full comments below:
“This league reminds me of the Lifetime Fitness league”
@Shaq gave his thoughts on Dwight Howard dominating in Taiwan 💀
(via The Big Podcast) https://t.co/N2xctWCxML
Howard fired back, stating:
"Do not disrespect my teammates and this league and these people in Taiwan like that. That is highly disrespectful and it's hating. You're too old to be hating. You're too big to be hating."
Howard also called out O'Neal for targeting JaVale McGee, adding:
"You hated on JaVale McGee and almost cost him his whole career. For what? What are you hating JaVale McGee for? This man came way after you. He probably grew up wishing he could be like you."
Howard and McGee spent the 2019-2020 season as teammates, winning the NBA championship with the LA Lakers. Both players have been constant targets for O'Neal since entering the NBA.
Watch Dwight Howard's full response to Shaquille O'Neal below:
We will see if there is more to add to this storyline in the coming weeks.