Shaquille O’Neal isn’t one to hold back his opinions, especially when it comes to the state of the NBA. But his latest outburst took things to another level. On a recent episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, the Hall of Famer blasted Ben Simmons, saying authorities should arrest him for his poor performance.
The former Lakers star didn’t mince words as he criticized Simmons’ decline, linking it to what he sees as a broader problem with today’s NBA.
“People say Charles [Barkley] and I ruin the game talking about the product. Because the product is s***,” Shaq said bluntly. “They can call it ‘hate’ all they want, but I ain’t sucking these motherf***er off just because they making $400 million. A lot of these motherf***er can’t play – and they know it.”
O’Neal Rips Simmons Over Massive Contract And Poor Play
O’Neal zeroed in on Simmons, who has had a tough few seasons marred by injuries and inconsistent play. After signing a five-year, $177 million extension with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019, Simmons sat out the entire 2021-22 season and appeared in just 90 games for the Brooklyn Nets before the team bought out his contract in February. He’s now playing off the bench for the Los Angeles Clippers on a one-year deal worth just over $1 million.
“A lot of motherf***ers can’t play and they know it… Ben Simmons needs to be f***ing arrested.” 😳
— The Big Podcast (@bigpodwithshaq) April 4, 2025
Shaq on the physicality of today’s NBA pic.twitter.com/7JoKm1rImb
“Ben fing Simmons, that motherf***er needs to be arrested,” Shaq said during the podcast. “$250 million for that bullsh*t? Get the f* out of my face. Robbing people, man. You can’t do that.”
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Simmons, a three-time All-Star, is earning over $40 million this season despite the drop in production. He’s averaging 5.4 points per game, well below expectations for a player once considered a franchise cornerstone.
While Shaq did give props to stars like Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Damian Lillard, he didn’t hold back on what he feels is a larger issue: overpaid players not living up to the hype. “Pick and roll, one-on-one, motherf***er can’t play, dawg,” he added. So far, Simmons hasn’t responded to Shaquille O’Neal’s comments.
