Stephen A. Smith Wasn’t Going To Stay Silent On the Beef Between His Friends Shaq and Shannon Sharpe

Dec 18, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith broadcasts before a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Shaquille O’Neal and Shannon Sharpe’s words were heard all over the internet. And people on either side have now putting forward their stance.

Both Shaq and Sharpe are close friends with Stephen A. Smith. And he wasn’t about to stay mum on the topic. Smith was quick to downplay the situation, likening it to be nothing as extreme. Speaking on his show, Smith addressed the matter on his official YouTube channel, saying,

“It’s not something along the lines of Drake and Kendrick Lamar and how excessive and extreme and off-kilter that has gotten. But Shannon and the brothers at the nightcap irritated the one and only Shaquille O’Neal because they were talking about Shaq and Gilbert Arenas. He was saying, ‘Hey, Shaq, he wants to be that alpha. He wants to be… he don’t like big men. He’s always critiquing them.”

On the diss track itself between Shannon Sharpe and Shaquille O’Neal, Smith remarked,

“It’s not bad. It’s nothing extreme… Ain’t much to say about that. Don’t act like there’s some war between Shannon and Shaq… Both of them are Hall of Famers, both of them were elite, both of them were champions.”

In the background of this beef is the immense success and fame of both Shaq and Sharpe, with Shaq being one of the greatest big men in NBA history and Shannon Sharpe a Hall of Fame tight. Therefore, the solution lies with them.

Shannon Sharpe and Shaquille O’Neal’s Beef Solution

In the midst of the ongoing back-and-forth between Shannon Sharpe and Shaquille O’Neal, perhaps it’s time for a reality check. Both Shaq and Sharpe have been dominant in their respective sports, and are widely recognized as elite athletes of their positions, if nothing else.

Additionally, Sharpe, a Hall of Fame tight end with three Super Bowl rings, and O’Neal, a basketball legend with four NBA championships and an MVP title to his name, have achieved feats that most athletes only dream of.

Given their stature in their respective fields, perhaps it’s best for the legends to take a step back and acknowledge that the beef between Shannon Sharpe and O’Neal is simply a matter of personal opinions. No one outside of their inner circle truly understands the dynamics of their relationship or the motivations behind their words.

As fans, it’s important to recognize and appreciate the immense talent of both Shannon Sharpe and Shaquille O’Neal. What truly matters is the lasting impact they’ve had on their sports and the inspiration they’ve provided to countless fans and aspiring athletes around the world.