Shaquille O'Neal has reignited his public dispute with Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, labeling Portnoy an "idiot" and stating he "would be glad if somebody punches him in the face" following Portnoy's recent critical remarks about Tom Brady.
O'Neal, speaking to Page Six, defended his longtime friend Brady after Portnoy described the NFL icon's post-football endeavors as "cringey" and "lame." Portnoy had previously asserted on Barstool Sports that Brady had become "lame-ified" by participating in skits at Fanatics Fest in New York and associating with social media personalities such as Logan Paul.
"Dave talks a lot," O'Neal told Page Six. "He's one of those lucky guys who had a lot of success. So, he thinks his point of view is important."
The NBA legend expressed his strong disagreement with Portnoy's assessment of Brady's media appearances and broadcasting work. "I'd be glad if somebody punches him in the face. And I hope it's Tom [Brady]," O'Neal stated. "I try to be nice, [but] you can tell him I said that."
O'Neal further defended Brady, asserting that "idiots" like Portnoy's opinions "never" matter. Portnoy subsequently responded on X, acknowledging O'Neal's comments and stating, "I didn’t see that one coming. I like Shaq. He’s dead wrong here though. Like dead wrong."
This exchange marks the latest development in an ongoing rivalry between O'Neal and Portnoy. Their previous public disagreement occurred in 2023 when O'Neal criticized Portnoy on social media for comments made about then-LSU basketball player Angel Reese. The two later appeared to reconcile during an encounter at UFC 314.
Tom Brady, 48, has been involved in public exchanges with Logan Paul and has reportedly been in discussions for a potential WWE cameo. NFL Insider Mike Florio suggested that Brady's recent activities could be interpreted as a "bizarre mid-life crisis" or part of a larger strategy. Florio also noted past discussions where Brady's former business partner, Sam Bankman-Fried, reportedly encouraged him to consider a political career, including a potential run against Donald Trump.