Shaq Says He Won’t Comment on Celtic Coach Ime Udoka’s Scandal Because He “Was a Serial Cheater” Himself

Shaq Says He Won’t Comment on Celtic Coach Ime Udoka’s Scandal Because He “Was a Serial Cheater” Himself

While other celebrities and athletes weigh in on the Nia long and Ime Udoka cheating scandal, NBA legend Shaquille O’neal says he is staying quiet on the matter.

During a recent episode of his podcast, The Big Podcast With Shaq, Shaquille O’Neal briefly addressed Long and Udoka’s current scandal. The sports analyst made it clear that he was not going to pass any harsh criticism on the matter as that would make him a hypocrite.

“I am going to step down from this conversation. I was a serial cheater. It would be crazy and blasphemous for me to get up here and say, ‘Boom, boom, bam.’ I can’t do that. I know these guys personally. I know they’re going through a lot because I went through a lot.”

Shaquille ‘Shaq’ O’Neal

In a previous interview, Shaq admitted that he was the culprit for the demise of his marriage.

He shared,

“I never talked about this, but I’m glad you guys asked me because I don’t mind talking about this, but I was bad. She was awesome. She really was. It was all me.”

He continued and told the podcast host that his “double life” eventually caught up with him.

“Look we don’t need to talk about what I was doing but I wasn’t protecting her and protecting those vows. Sometimes when you live that double life, you get caught up. So I’m not gonna say it was her, it was all me.”

As you may recall, Shaquille O’neal was married to Shaunie Henderson from 2002 until 2011. Throughout the latter part of their marriage, there were numerous rumors of him cheating. The former couple share four biological children: Shareef, 22, Amirah, 20, Shaqir, 19, and Me’Arah, 15. Shaq also has a daughter, Taahirah, from a previous relationship, and adopted Shaunie’s son, Myles, 20, as his own.

Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal, Shaunie O’Neal

“I just wish that certain parties weren’t involved. I’ve known Nia Long for a long time, and I like her. They’re going through a lot of family stuff. I’m never the guy that’s gonna get up here because of my platform and fake it. I did it. I was the best at it and not proud of it at all. I lost my family doing it. I lost valuable, important years of my children from doing it. I’m not that guy. I’m real with the situation.”

Ime Udoka, Nia Long

According to an official statement from the organization,

“The team has suspended Head Coach Ime Udoka for the 2022-23 season for violations of team policies. A decision about his future with the Celtics beyond this season will be made at a later date. The suspension takes effect immediately.”

The 45-year-old publicly expressed regret to the organization and his family in a statement following his suspension for putting them in a “difficult situation.” He said,

“I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down. I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team’s decision. Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment.”

Nia Long also released a statement on the matter through her representative Shannon Barr. She said,

“The outpouring of love and support from family, friends and the community during this difficult time means so much to me. I ask that my privacy be respected as I process the recent events. Above all, I am a mother and will continue to focus on my children.”

Nia long

Udoka and Long share one son, 10-year-old Kez Udoka. She also has a 21-year-old son, Massai Zhivago Dorsey II, from a previous relationship.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!

[VIA]