When Shaquille O'Neal's lie about sleeping with Venus Williams and Cindy Crawford was called out by tennis star: “I don’t even know him”

Tennis star Venus Williams called out Shaquille O'Neal after the latter claimed he had a sexual relationship with her, Cindy Crawford and Aliyah. O'Neal made those claims during an appearance on Los Angeles Power 106-FM in the middle of the 2001 playoffs as an LA Lakers player.

Once news reached the three female celebrities, they denied connections to O'Neal. Williams, in particular, called him out publicly, saying (via ESPN):

"I categorically and unequivocally deny that I have ever had a sexual relationship with Shaquille O’Neal," Williams’ statement began. "I don’t even know him. I’ve only met Shaquille once a few years ago, when attending an L.A. Lakers game."

O'Neal

"If Shaquille made the statement as a joke, it was in very bad taste, and I am definitely offended. I think that he should use better judgment in the future, particularly where one’s reputation is concerned"

Following Williams' comments on the matter, O'Neal admitted that he was laughing while making those claims. He called himself a comedian and apologized to all three women, saying:

"Those who know me know I’m a comedian. The guys who were with me in the studio knew that I was laughing, but I guess they didn’t take it as a joke, and I apologize,: O’Neal said.

Shaquille O'Neal was in the headlines for many reasons during his playing days. More often, it was about his performances on the court and Hollywood connections. This was one of the worst ways he attracted the spotlight, as claiming that he had sexual relationships with three women was not acceptable, even as a joke as he claims it to be when it wasn't true.

Click here to read Venus Williams' comments and Shaquille O'Neal's apology to her, Cindy Crawford and Aaliyah.

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Shaquille O'Neal has had an ugly past surrounding women

Shaquille O'Neal is among the greatest NBA players. He is now thriving as a businessman, actor, TV analyst and a DJ in the music industry. O'Neal's work as a philanthropist cannot be ignored either.

Despite finding success in many aspects of life, O'Neal has had an ugly past with women. One of the most disappointing incidents is already mentioned above.

The 4x NBA champion confessed that he was a "serial cheater" a few months ago following Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka's suspension for violating workplace policy due to an improper relationship with a female staff member.

Shaquille O'Neal refused to comment on the matter and call out Udoka for cheating on his partner due to his ugly past. Here's what Shaq said on his podcast:

“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.

Shaq continued:

“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.”

Shaquille O'Neal had four kids with his former wife Shaunie O'Neal. The former had another daughter with his ex-girlfriend before he married Shaunie, who also had another son with her former partner. O'Neal has six kids in total.

However, due to his poor decisions during his marriage, O'Neal never got the joy of being a family man. It certainly wasn't something to be proud of, but seeing him hold himself accountable for his actions is respectable, to say the least.