“I’m from Alabama, you ain’t my goddamn master!” Shaquille O’Neal reveals WILD Phil Jackson – Robert Horry story

Coach Phil Jackson said something incredibly insensitive to Robert Horry during their time together on the Lakers.

“I’m from Alabama, you ain’t my goddamn master!” Shaquille O’Neal reveals WILD Phil Jackson – Robert Horry story

Shaquille O’Neal and Phil Jackson

Phil Jackson is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the history of the NBA. However, his unconventional personality was more like a myth until Shaquille O’Neal revealed a story on his podcast, The Big Shaq. 

Shaquille O’Neal shared a memorable story where Coach Jackson made a comment that some could see as offensive or derogatory. But, according to Shaq, it was just Phil’s way of asserting his leadership to his players. 

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Phil had this thing: when he go (whistles), he wanted you to look up, he wanted you to call the play. So, one time, we didn't look up. We get to a timeout, and he looks at Robert Horry, and he goes, 'Hey, I'm your master. When I whistle, you look up.' Robert Horry said, 'I'm from Alabama. You ain't my goddamn master. I don't play that.'
Shaquille O’Neal said

According to Robert Horry, his state, Alabama has a sad history with racism, hence his response when Coach Phil Jackson used the “master “ word on him. However, that wasn’t his true intention as Big Shaq shared that it was only a way for the legendary coach to instill discipline. Also, Horry noted that the coach did an amazing job of creating a strong team bond and dynamics. 

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Phil Jackson’s 11 NBA titles is an NBA record he achieved with two teams, the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers. And despite the challenges, and criticism he faced, he was able to bring together his teams to create the championship-winning formula. 

Shaquille O’Neal is a bearer of numerous Coach Phil Jackson stories

Big Shaq had other stories about the legendary coach, one of which was a unique manner in which he used to summon his team for practice at their facility, the use of an Indian drum. The beating of the drum signified that the team had to assemble.

O’Neal made this known in his autobiography, “Shaq Uncut: My Story,” and it involved more than just hitting the drums. It also involved meditation, open conversations as well deep breathing exercises. 

While most people would term his methods as unconventional, they helped create a dynasty. As it is not every day a coach gets to lead two of the greatest players in the league in Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. 

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