Given their longstanding history, Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard have reignited their feud online.
This latest exchange seems to have started after Howard, during an interview on The GAUDs Show podcast, discussed his relationship with Shaq. Howard stated he never aspired to be Shaq but did want to adopt some of his approaches, as he had done with other basketball players.
When asked if he had ever spoken to Shaq about their dynamic, Howard said, “I tried to. During Dancing with the Stars, someone who was close to Shaq was working with me, and I asked them to send him a message so we could sit down and talk. Every time I hear or see something about him, it feels like he’s disrespecting me in some way.”
Howard even admitted he wondered if resolving their issues might require a physical confrontation.
Word of the podcast must have reached Shaq, who responded Monday night with a tweet:
“The fact u think I care about u is funny, but I won’t ever bring your name up again sensitive big man, a jokester that can’t take a joke. Won’t ever say your name again ever again. Have a great day and now u have been deleted.”
Howard replied two hours later, calling Shaq insecure and accusing him of being jealous of other players, including Kobe Bryant, Penny Hardaway, Dwyane Wade, and Charles Barkley. He also referenced a long direct message Shaq had sent him years ago, criticizing his abilities and expressing disdain.
On Tuesday morning, Howard tweeted again, expressing his disappointment over their ongoing conflict and suggesting they settle their differences through a podcast conversation.
