Just when we thought the stupidity of people in sports couldn't get any worse, another example is shoved right into our faces.
Shaquille O'Neal, a 15-time NBA all-star and often considered a “loveable oaf,” is being investigated for assault. No charges have been filed.
Robert Williams, a former co-worker of O' Neal's alleges the former NBA star “ran out of a room and hit me with a tackle punch to the back knocking me down and falling on top of me injuring my neck and back."
Turner Studios, the company where O'Neal works has been made aware of the incident.
"The investigation was initially handled by the zone and as that investigation deepened, it was transferred (to) the complex case squad," Atlanta police Sgt. Greg Lyon said, according to WSB TV in Atlanta. "At the conclusion of their investigation, we'll have their findings and we'll go forth from there, whether charges will be filed, whether it (will) be reviewed by the DA's Office."
Williams' attorney released a statement in regards to the incident.
"We understand that the physical attack by Shaquille O'Neal upon Mr. Robert Williams is under criminal investigation," Williams' attorney said in a statement to WSB. "Mr. Williams is presently recovering after surgery. However, he does state, emphatically, that the permanent injuries he received were not the result of participation in any form of 'horseplay.' "
Dennis Roach, O'Neal's attorney, calls the incident “horseplay” and no one was intended to be hurt.
I believe Shaquille O'Neal is a good person. His charity work is well known, which includes donating millions of dollars to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. He has been always been an upstanding citizen. However O'Neal has been goofy in the past (look at past all-star games for example). He probably didn't intend to allegedly hurt Williams. And keep in the mind that the case is far from over. It may come out that Williams is trying to sue O'Neal just to get money. We don't know because the information isn't out yet.
The problem is this era of sports history. Athletes are in the news for all the wrong reasons. Instead of being on ESPN and Fox Sports for achievements on the field, they are being destroyed for mistakes off the field. Whether O'Neal is innocent or guilty here is not the problem. The problem is the belief that athletes are above the law. The culture that athletes are superior to everyone should not be accepted. The culture of sports needs to change for the better. Otherwise the future will not be so bright.
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