News / Sports
Shaquille O’Neal calls Phil Jackson a ‘Benedict Arnold’
After Phil Jackson made comments claiming that Miami Heat star Shaquille O’Neal “didn't like to work” while playing in Los Angeles the big man fired back at his former coach stating “How can Benedict Arnold be reliable in what he says?”
O’Neal made the comment following Monday’s 101-85 victory over Phil Jackson’s Lakers club.
Jackson was quoted as saying "The only person I've ever had that hasn't been a worker in the fortunate times I've been coaching is probably Shaq. He's the one guy that didn't really like to work. I know Pat [Riley] got him working here in Miami. We had a hard time getting him to work. All the other players — Michael [Jordan], Scottie [Pippen], Dennis Rodman, all those guys that we had, Horace Grant, they're all hard-working practice and personal work players.”
Much of the controversy surrounding the two men revolves around the relationship they shared in LA and the presence of Kobe Bryant.
The animosity between O’Neal and Bryant has been well documented throughout the media and despite their supposed burying of the hatchet many still feel there is a real dislike between the two.
Phil Jackson released a book shortly after his departure as Lakers head coach and seemingly took Shaq’s side in the feud. His return to the Lakers was a shock to some, as Kobe was still the star attraction for the franchise. O’Neals “Benedict Arnold” comments could be construed as a genuine distrust for a man he once held so highly.
