Breaking: Shaquille O’Neal Proposes to US Sports Delegation: ‘Expel Brittney Griner, CANNOT LET THE PERSON ‘KNEELING TO REPRESENT THE COUNTRY’
In a shocking and controversial statement that has immediately stirred debate across the American sports world and beyond, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has publicly called for the expulsion of WNBA star Brittney Griner from the US sports delegation. The reason? O’Neal expressed strong disapproval of Griner’s decision to kneel during the national anthem while representing the United States in international competitions.
The statement, made during a recent televised sports commentary segment, came as a surprise to many fans and sports analysts alike. O’Neal, known for his larger-than-life personality and outspoken views, asserted that allowing any athlete to kneel while representing the nation “undermines the country’s values” and sends “the wrong message” on the global stage.
O’Neal’s Bold Stand
Shaquille O’Neal said, “When you’re wearing the USA jersey, you are representing everything this country stands for. There is no room for kneeling during the anthem. It’s disrespectful. I propose the US sports delegation expel Brittney Griner immediately. We cannot let the person kneeling represent this country.”
O’Neal’s remarks come amid a wider cultural conversation about the role of athlete activism, patriotism, and free speech. The act of kneeling during the national anthem, which gained widespread attention when NFL player Colin Kaepernick started the protest in 2016, has remained divisive. For many, it symbolizes peaceful protest against racial injustice and police brutality; for others, it is viewed as disrespect to the flag and the country’s institutions.
Brittney Griner’s Position
Brittney Griner, a dominant figure in women’s basketball and an outspoken advocate on social justice issues, has not shied away from using her platform to highlight systemic inequalities. Her choice to kneel has been interpreted by supporters as a powerful and peaceful statement, aligned with a growing movement of athletes leveraging their visibility to drive social change.
Griner has previously spoken openly about her support for protests against racial injustice and has acknowledged the complexities of patriotism in a country still grappling with deep societal divisions.
In response to O’Neal’s comments, Griner’s representatives have yet to issue an official statement. However, several fellow athletes and public figures have rallied in her defense, calling the proposal “unjust” and “counterproductive.”
Reactions from the Sports Community
The reaction to Shaq’s proposal was swift and polarizing. Some agree with O’Neal’s stance, arguing that representing the country on an international level requires unquestioned respect for national symbols. Others condemn the suggestion as an attempt to silence an important voice for change.
WNBA stars like Angel McCoughtry and A’ja Wilson have publicly expressed support for Griner’s right to protest peacefully, emphasizing that patriotism and advocacy for justice are not mutually exclusive.
Sports commentator Lisa Reynolds remarked, “This isn’t just about sports. It’s about what we allow athletes to express while representing our country. Expelling Brittney Griner sends a message that dissent is not welcome, which goes against the very principles of freedom and democracy.”
The Broader Context
This controversy arrives at a time when athlete activism is resurging in professional sports leagues worldwide. The intersection of sports, politics, and social justice continues to challenge traditional norms about how athletes should behave, especially when bearing their nation’s flag.
Shaquille O’Neal’s call to expel Griner underscores the tension between nationalism and activism, forcing a broader discussion on how countries navigate the balance between respecting national symbols and honoring individual rights.
What’s Next?
The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), which oversees the country’s delegation in global competitions, has not yet commented on Shaq’s proposal. Any action to remove an athlete from the delegation would require formal procedures and likely ignite further public debate.
As this story develops, it will test the limits of freedom of expression within sports and challenge America’s evolving identity around patriotism and protest.