Shaquille O’Neal has added his voice to those decrying the lack of leadership coming out of Washington during the current very difficult times. Shaq says he believes Barack Obama would have done a much better job of dealing with the ongoing protests and civil unrest – sparked by the death of George Floyd.
Late-night talk shows are still working via Zoom, Skype and other online video services. Earlier this week (as of the date of this post) O’Neal appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel Live! Show, offering harsh criticism over the lack of leadership in Washington.
“I don’t like to see the country like this,” the four-time NBA champion said. “I wish we had somebody in the White House in a leadership position who would really do something.”
Through his Twitter account and in live phone calls with various state officials, President Trump has urged for a more forceful crackdown on protestors. In one incident, Washington D.C. police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators so that Trump could walk across the road from the White House to be photographed outside St. John’s Church holding a bible. The move was widely derided as the latest in a long list of stunts, with Democrats and members of the clergy accusing the President of deliberately fueling an already combustible situation.
As for Shaq, he said he “really missed” former President Barack Obama. “I think he would have handled this situation with class and honor. He would have definitely done the right thing.”
As of this writing, the situation is still developing. One of the officers involved in Floyd’s death has been arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
O’Neal insisted that all four officers involved should be arrested and charged. “Everybody is upset, everybody is tired and we demand justice,” Shaq said. “They try to appease us by arresting one guy but it was four officers out there and I think people are just sick and tired.”
Later in the same interview, Shaq added: “The governor of Minnesota needs to do something. I think the other three guys need to be arrested. I think that’s all the family is looking for.”
Shaq is one of many sports figures; players, executives and a host of coaches in the NBA, MLB, NFL and NHL have spoken out against Floyd’s death. O’Neal and others say they feel the protests could be a tipping point.
Shaq: “I’m 48-year-old and I’ve seen outbreaks of riots before, but I think this is the first time the country is doing it all at the same time. I had never seen it in more than one city. […] People want equality, they want justice and I understand them.”
And it’s not just sports figures. Atlanta rapper Killer Mike delivered a powerful TV statement calling for protesters not to vandalize the city but to take political actions. Shaq has echoed the call urging protesters to remain peaceful and avoid looting.
“I’m all for peaceful protests, I don’t like opportunists trying to cause riots or people breaking into stores,” he continued. “I don’t condone all that, but I’m for peaceful protests and I want justice.”
(Tip ‘o the hat to Newsweek Magazine for original reporting.) You can read more here.