Shaquille O’Neal, Who Once Called Ben Simmons a “Crybaby”, Reveals He Used to ‘Go In His Room and Sulk’ During Lakers Career

Shaquille O’Neal was one of the most physical players in his playing days. His structure and wide frame, humongous height, and massive build, always allowed him to dominate his opposition on the court. However, there is also a sensitive human side to the 7 ft giant.

Shaq is honest and always speaks his mind. He always blamed himself and did not even look at his teammates whenever his team lost. Even in his retirement, he accepts he is never shy to criticize himself and, with the help of his mother’s words, sees the truth in the criticism he receives. One big criticism he dropped, and many have been dropping, is on Ben Simmons.

Ben Simmons has not played all season because of his mental health issues and then his back injury struggles. Recently, he said in a statement that his recovery is being hindered because of what is going on mentally. For a guy like Shaq and rather all the ‘old school’ basketball players, it is hard for them to digest Simmons’ actions. Similarly, Shaq also commented on the reaction of the Brooklyn Nets players after being swept by the Boston Celtics.

Also read: Shaq takes massive shots at Ben Simmons.

Shaquille O’Neal reveals his most human side and admits to sulking alone when he lost

On the recent episode, The Big Bacon, from The Big Podcast with Shaq, Anthony Spice Adams, Nischelle Turner and Shaq discussed how Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving seemed relaxed and were seen smiling even after the humiliating 4-0 thrashing at the hands of the Boston Celtics. Nischelle also mentioned how Shaq had predicted the 76ers to win 4-0 but they lost two. Shaq then shared how he used to react when his side lost. 

“You can’t get too comfortable at home. When I used to go home, kiss the babies, kiss the wife. And I was very gracious enough they let me go into my room and sulk!” Shaq shared. “Lock me in my room, I watch TV, play my music and I’m pissed off — I’m just pissed. I’m looking at all the articles to look at what people said about me. Imma close this thing out tomorrow. There ain’t nothing to talk about.” Shaq revealed how he used to react if something like happened to him.

WATCH THIS STORY: Shaq’s illustrious sports career.

Shaq also revealed that his kids knew when he was in a bad mood and needed lifting or wanted the house quiet for him to focus. He said that his family was always a big help in getting him ready to bounce back in the next game. That is the mentality which Shaq claims is missing from some players in the modern game.

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