Shaquille O'Neal in attendance in the first quarter during the 2020 NBA All Star Game. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Shaquille O’Neal responds to Scottie Pippen calling Phil Jackson a racist

Originally posted on Game 7 | By Jennifer Withers Hoey | Last updated 6/30/21

Scottie Pippen stirred up something of a firestorm recently when he accused his old head coach, Phil Jackson, of being a racist.

Pippen’s comments came in response to a question about a 1994 playoff game against the New York Knicks during which Jackson drew up a play for Toni Kukoc instead of him. Pippen refused to enter the game as a result.

“By saying it was a racial move then you’re calling Phil Jackson a racist…” radio host Dan Patrick said to Pippen during an interview this week.

“I don’t have a problem with that,” Pippen replied.

“Do you think Phil was?” Patrick followed up.

“Oh yeah,” Pippen said.

DP: “.. By saying it was a racial move then you’re calling Phil Jackson a racist…”

Pippen: “I don’t have a problem with that.”

DP: “Do you think Phil was?”

Pippen: “Oh yeah…”

Exchange with @ScottiePippen on Phil’s decision to have Kukoc take final shot against the Knicks pic.twitter.com/pH2aDLMDcQ

— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) June 28, 2021

On Wednesday, NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal entered the debate. He had extensive experience playing under Jackson when they won three titles together on the Los Angeles Lakers.

“I don’t want to get involved in other people’s beef, but Phil is definitely not a racist,” O’Neal said, via FanSided. "He’s coming out with a new drink and a new book. Maybe this is all marketing.”

O’Neal is probably right, and his thoughtful analysis here is an example of how hit-or-miss he can be with his commentary. Sometimes he is great, other times – not so much.

That being said, it’s hard to argue with O’Neal’s assessment of this particular situation.

This article first appeared on Game 7 and was syndicated with permission.

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