Feud between Shaq, JaVale McGee escalates after heated Twitter exchange
Basketball Hall of Famer and TNT analyst Shaquille O'Neal escalated his feud with his favorite "Shaqtin' A Fool" target Golden State Warriors center JaVale McGee on Thursday.
McGee has been featured during Shaq's regular segment on TNT's Inside the NBA for his frequent gaffes on the court. A new package ran on Thursday night devoted exclusively to McGee bloopers that likely sparked the interaction.
After the Warriors 123–113 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers Thursday night, Shaq went in on McGee via social media calling him a "bumass" (sic) and McGee responding by calling him an "old bastard."
ESPN reported Friday that the Warriors had reached out to Turner Sports to discuss the network’s coverage of McGee and arguing that it hurt his reputation to be repeatedly mocked. Steve Kerr and Kevin Durant came to his defense as well.
Some of the tweet exchange, which grew increasingly nasty, is below.
McGee’s teammate Kevin Durant came to his defense Friday afternoon.
O’Neal responded to Durant later Friday.
The NBA recently released a memo to teams and players surrounding the tone of social media usage, aiming to have official accounts better reflect on the league.
