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Shaquille O'Neal has revealed that WNBA star Angel Reese felt personally offended by recent comments made by Charles Barkley.
Charles Barkley still in hot water after WNBA players comments
Earlier this year, Barkley criticized the WNBA's treatment of No. 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark, calling WNBA players "petty" for their hard fouls on Clark during her rookie season with the Indiana Fever.
"You women out there, y'all petty, man,"Barkley said.
"Y'all petty, girls. I expect men to be petty because we're the most insecure group in the world. Y'all should be thanking that girl for getting y'all ass private charters, all the money and visibility she brings into the WNBA."
According to O'Neal, Reese was particularly upset by these comments.
During the most recent episode of The Big Podcast, O'Neal shared that Reese reached out to him after Barkley's rant, questioning why he didn't defend her and her WNBA colleagues.
"I have to call her and tell her to stop reading comments," O'Neal said.
"You don't owe an explanation to anybody... She jumped on me [saying] 'Why didn't you say nothing to Charles?'"
O'Neal explained that he didn't have the opportunity to respond during the segment but addressed the issue with Barkley later.
"First of all, you know Charles takes up the segment and I don't have the time to say anything. I talked to him after," he continued.
O'Neal described Reese as "sensitive," but clarified that he meant it in a positive way.
"The ones that are real sensitive are the ones that are more dominant," he added.
Reese continues to excel in the WNBA
Reese, who was named WNBA Rookie of the Month, has been making headlines for her performance on the court as well.
On Tuesday she extended her record-breaking double-double streak to 11 consecutive games, scoring 12 points and grabbing 19 rebounds in a win over the Atlanta Dream.
The debate over Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has become a focal point for WNBA fans.
Clark is known for her long-range shooting and precise passing, while Reese's relentless pursuit of victory has made her a standout player.
Both players have been recognized for their achievements, with each being named to the 2023 Sporting News Athletes of the Year and recently announced as the only rookie All-Stars for 2024.
As the WNBA season progresses, fans continue to compare the two rookies and speculate whether they could share the Rookie of the Year award.