Why does Shaquille O’Neal want Ben Simmons ‘arrested’? NBA legend’s beef with $40M star explained

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal did not hold back against the Clippers star Ben Simmons on the latest segment of 'The Big' Podcast.

Why does Shaquille O’Neal want Ben Simmons ‘arrested’? NBA legend’s beef with $40M star explained

SHaquille O'Neal and Ben Simmons

Shaquille O’Neal and other retired NBA greats continue to disparage the league they helped create on another NBA action night. It appears that this generation of former basketball stars who are now analysts is more determined than ever to undermine the current period of the sport. In the most recent edition of “The Big Podcast,” O’Neal brutally crushed Ben Simmons of the Los Angeles Clippers.

In 2019, Simmons agreed to a five-year, $177 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. However, he did not live up to his potential, putting up a series of poor performances. On top of that, Simmons also suffered various injuries to his body, keeping him on the sidelines throughout the season. O’Neal clearly stated that Simmons should be ‘arrested’ for robbing teams.

A lot of motherf***ers can’t play and they know it…Ben Simmons needs to be fu***ng arrested. $250 million for that sh**? Arrested! $250 million for that bullsh**? Get the f**k out my face. Robbing people, man. You can’t do that.

On the Big Podcast, Shaquille O’Neal said

Simmons has been a member of the Brooklyn Nets, Sixers, and Clippers. His career averages are 13.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.2 assists; however, since 2020–21, his last season with Philadelphia, he has not averaged in double figures.

Simmons, who was selected first overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, has only made five 3-pointers in the league. Even from mid-range, the lefty poses no threat to jumpers. Simmons has played for the Nets and Clippers in 47 games this season. His average is 5.4 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.9 rebounds. O’Neal’s frustration is understandable if one possesses averages of single digits and is earning more than 100-200 million.

Not the FIRST time Shaquille O’Neal criticized Clippers player Ben Simmons

The former Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons’ contract has drawn harsh criticism from NBA players and observers, who have dubbed it the worst in the league. O’Neal disclosed a painful reality about former NBA All-Star Ben Simmons on “The Big Podcast with Shaq.” According to him, the Brooklyn Nets star is a vulnerable player and has faced ‘mental challenges’ regarding his road to recovery.

Ben is sensitive right, he came in with a lot of hype… When he got exposed… When he didn’t want to shoot in Atlanta and he kept passing the ball, and everybody was jumping on him, he got exposed…Now the back thing I let that go the first year. I’m not letting that go three years in a row. This is 2024.

Shaquille O’Neal said

Simmons became one of the league’s most promising players after being selected first overall in 2016. He was a superb playmaker who mostly played point guard at 6’10”. Given his defense and playmaking skills, he was the Philadelphia 76ers’ future. However, setbacks and a lack of confidence caused his career to take a nosedive.

Shaquille O’Neal once called Ben Simmons a ‘bum’ over $ 250 million contract

Shaquille O’Neal is known for his critical takes on the current crop of NBA players. But when it comes to the Clippers star Ben Simmons, he has been highly dismissive of the latter in recent years. So much so that O’Neal once called Simmons a ‘bum’ in 2024 on his ‘The Big’ Podcast. This was when the NBA legend gave his take on the worst players in the NBA. 

Rudy Gobert and Ben Simmons is another bum. You know why? Because if you sign a contract for $250 million, show me $250 million…You got guys like him that f**k the system over there, making all this money and they can’t f***ing play.

Shaquille O’Neal said

To be fair, O’Neal does have a point. In addition, for his remarkable career, O’Neal has won nearly everything. He has more credibility than most to discuss the sport and the players that currently dominate it because he is a four-time champion, former MVP, and 15-time All-Star. Throughout his career, the man earned over $120 million and achieved an unprecedented degree of accomplishment. So he deserves to be critical of players like Simmons in the league.