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The WNBA removed a social media video featuring Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers wagering $400 on a game between their respective teams, sparking debate over the league’s strict gambling prohibitions outlined in its collective bargaining agreement. A league spokesperson described the deleted post Thursday as “lighthearted” content that “simply missed the mark,” citing Article 14, Section 5 of the bargaining agreement, which governs all gambling-related conduct among players.
Shaquille O’Neal disputed the significance of the wager, characterizing it as a casual bet between friends rather than a serious violation. “That’s what we call a ‘homeboy bet.’ If it falls under gambling, it would be under the misdemeanor section; people need to stop it,” the NBA Hall of Famer told Fox News Digital. He rejected comparisons to point shaving, asserting the two players did nothing worthy of sustained criticism.
The former center acknowledged that Caitlin Clark faces “professional jealousy” from fellow players but framed such treatment as standard initiation for rising stars in professional sports. O’Neal suggested competitors must prove themselves through sustained excellence and competitive edge before earning acceptance from peers.
Clark has recently criticized the WNBA for failing to adequately protect players from both on-court physical play and off-court controversies. O’Neal characterized her resilience as a strength, while noting that competitors like Reese are asserting themselves through aggressive play and verbal confidence.
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