In the world of professional sports, few athletes command as much respect and admiration as Shaquille O’Neal.
The former NBA superstar and Hall of Famer has long been recognized not only for his dominance on the basketball court but also for his candid and often insightful commentary off it.
Recently, O’Neal has been vocal about his disappointment in fellow athlete Brittney Griner
Criticizing her actions and statements which he deems unworthy of representing America.
Brittney Griner, the Phoenix Mercury star and one of the most prominent figures in the WNBA, has made headlines over the years not just for her athletic prowess but also for her outspoken views on social justice and other political issues. Griner’s activism, particularly around issues of police brutality and systemic racism, has garnered both support and backlash. However, it was her recent actions and comments that have particularly irked O’Neal.
Shaquille O’Neal, known for his patriotic sentiments and support for the armed forces, recently lashed out at Griner during an interview. He accused her of being overly ‘woke’ and acting thoughtlessly in ways that, according to him, tarnish the reputation of American athletes. O’Neal’s anger was specifically triggered by Griner’s refusal to stand for the national anthem during WNBA games, a move she explained as a protest against racial injustice.
“Standing for the national anthem is about respecting the country and those who fought for our freedoms,” O’Neal said. “I understand the need to protest and raise awareness about social issues, but there are ways to do it without disrespecting the flag and our national symbols. Brittney’s actions are thoughtless and send the wrong message to young athletes and fans.”
O’Neal’s comments have sparked a significant debate among fans and commentators. Supporters of Griner argue that her form of protest is a legitimate exercise of free speech and a necessary action to bring attention to critical issues. They point out that athletes have long used their platforms to advocate for social change, citing examples like Muhammad Ali and Colin Kaepernick.
On the other hand, O’Neal’s supporters agree with his stance, believing that national symbols should be honored and that protests can be carried out in other, less divisive ways. They contend that Griner’s approach alienates a significant portion of the fanbase and detracts from the very issues she seeks to highlight.
The debate touches on broader issues of patriotism, free speech, and the role of athletes in political and social discourse. It raises important questions about how public figures should balance their personal convictions with their roles as representatives of their country. For O’Neal, the answer is clear: respect for national symbols should come first, and protests should be conducted in a manner that unifies rather than divides.
Griner, however, remains steadfast in her beliefs. She has stated that her actions are meant to provoke thought and inspire change, not to disrespect the country. In a recent interview, she said, “I love my country, but I believe we can do better. My protest is a call for justice and equality, and I hope it encourages others to think critically about these issues.”
As the controversy continues to unfold, it is evident that the intersection of sports and politics will remain a contentious and evolving landscape. Shaquille O’Neal and Brittney Griner, through their differing perspectives, highlight the complex and often challenging role that athletes play in shaping public discourse. Whether one agrees with O’Neal’s call for respect or Griner’s push for change, the conversation underscores the powerful impact of sports figures in American society./
Meghan Markle’s mother revealed the “MISDEEDS” of the British royal family against her daughter: “
Doria Ragland breaks down in tears while discussing her daughter Meghan Markle’s suicidal thoughts in “Harry & Meghan.”
In new episodes released Thursday, the 66-year-old recalls the “Suits” alum telling her that “she had wanted to take her own life.”
Ragland remembers, “That really broke my heart because I knew that it was bad. … That’s not an easy one for a mom to hear.”
The former yoga instructor notes that both she and Markle’s husband, Prince Harry, couldn’t “protect” the former actress from the media hate she received amid her relationship with the royal.
“[She was] just constantly be picked at by these vultures just picking away at her spirit,” Ragland says of Markle, 41, “actually think[ing] of not wanting to be here.”
Ragland’s emotional interview comes nearly two years after the “Deal or No Deal” alum publicly shared her battle with suicidal thoughts for the first time.
“I just didn’t want to be alive anymore,” Markle told Oprah Winfrey during a bombshell March 2021 interview. “I knew that if I didn’t say it that I would do it. And that was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought.”
Prince Harry, Doria Ragland, Meghan Markle and Archie
“That’s not an easy one for a mom to hear,” Ragland said on “Harry & Meghan.”
Netflix
The Duchess of Sussex explained that while she was pregnant with her son, Archie, in January 2019, she told Harry that she couldn’t “be left alone” ahead of an event at Royal Albert Hall.
“If you zoom in, you can see how tightly his knuckles are gripped around mine,” Markle said. “You can see the whites of our knuckles, because we are smiling and doing our job, but we’re both just trying to hold on.”
Harry, 38, admits in the Netflix show that he “hates” himself for how he reacted to his wife’s confession.
“I didn’t deal with it particularly well,” the former military pilot recalls. “What she needed from me was so much more than i was able to give.”
As for Markle, she says, “I wanted to go somewhere to get help, but I wasn’t allowed to. They were concerned about how that would look for the institution.”
The couple left England in January 2020 and now live in Montecito, Calif., with Archie, 3, and their 1-year-old daughter, Lilibet.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Harry On His Knees Begging Princess Anne As She SEIZE His Entire TRUST FUND On His 40th Birthday
Prince Harry is set to receive a substantial inheritance, which has sparked further discussions about his and Meghan Markle’s financial status.
Recent reports highlight that Harry will inherit £7 million from a trust fund established by his great-grandmother, the late Queen Mother. This inheritance is scheduled to be transferred to him on his 40th birthday, September 15th. The Queen Mother, with an estimated fortune of £1 million, allocated a significant portion of her wealth to a trust fund for the family. According to the Australian magazine New Idea, citing The Times, Harry will receive a £7 million share from this trust fund.
This inheritance is in addition to the considerable earnings that Harry and Meghan have accrued through their high-profile deals, such as their partnership with Netflix in 2020. Interestingly, Harry is expected to receive a larger share of the Queen Mother’s fortune compared to his older brother, Prince William. The financial arrangements within the royal family play a significant role here. As the heir to the throne, William will inherit the vast wealth of the Duchy of Cornwall, a private estate that funds the public, charitable, and private activities of the heir apparent. Consequently, Harry is likely to receive slightly more than half of the £14 million allocated for both brothers.
Princess Anne is also a central figure in these financial matters, known for her unwavering commitment to royal duties and charitable endeavors. She plays a critical role in maintaining the Windsor family’s unity, particularly during times of controversy involving Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and other family members. As a diligent member of the royal family, Princess Anne tirelessly fulfills official duties and engagements on behalf of the Monarch. She serves as the patron or president of over 300 organizations across various sectors, including education, healthcare, sports, and science.
In addition to her public duties, Princess Anne is the primary trustee for the trust established by Queen Elizabeth, a common practice in the UK to manage and protect family wealth. These trusts are designed to generate income for beneficiaries and occasionally release capital for significant expenses such as property purchases or weddings. The Board of Trustees and their director must approve any capital release. Following the death of Queen Elizabeth, Princess Anne is expected to take complete control of Prince Harry’s trust fund. This decision is influenced by Prince Harry’s controversial remarks about the royal family, which were deemed harmful to the nonprofit organizations he represents. Consequently, Princess Anne will oversee the majority of the funds previously allocated to Prince Harry.
Princess Anne is known for her extensive charitable activities and dedication to organizations that positively impact global issues. While Prince Harry still maintains some private patronages or presidencies with charitable organizations, the extent of his fortune’s involvement remains uncertain. The transfer of his trust funds to Princess Anne coincides with allegations that the Sussexes have struggled to make a significant impact through their charity work in the United States. Sources indicate that the couple has faced challenges in gaining substantial visibility for their charitable endeavors and fulfilling business obligations due to mental health issues.
Prince Harry’s recent statements have also led to the loss of his patronage from the London Marathon Charitable Trust. His self-reported drug use, claims of taking lives, admissions of bullying, and unfounded accusations about the royal family have significantly tarnished his reputation. Additionally, the registration of the charitable foundation in Delaware, known for lenient regulations regarding charitable organizations, has attracted criticism regarding the couple’s use of charity for self-promotion and financial gain.
Princess Anne’s steadfast dedication to royal responsibilities and charitable work underscores her commitment to upholding the values of the monarchy. Despite Meghan Markle’s efforts to assert her influence, Princess Anne remains a formidable figure, ensuring the integrity and continuity of the royal family’s principles and duties.
