Shaquille O'Neal talks being fined $35,000 by the NBA

By Sports Authority
JR Staff Writer

For years, Shaquille O'Neal has enjoyed the luxury of being the face of the NBA. But, following his fourth championship, in 2006, things have drastically changed for him. Now with his sixth team, Shaq is now a role player. Recently, his new team, the Boston Celtics, hit a rough streak.

Despite being one of the best teams in the NBA, the Celtics are an older team and more prone to injuries. The injury bug has bitten the team and they have struggled. Over the years, Shaq has become known for calling out the referees after losses. This streak continued when he called out one of the refs after a loss.

The rules in the NBA state that if a member of a team criticizes a referee to the media that they pay in some manner. Shaquille O'Neal had to pay $35,000 for him comments. In the past, he would react in a negative way when he would end up being fined. But, over the years, Shaq has mellowed out and has learned to accept the rules.

Shaquille O'Neal was one of the highest-paid players in the NBA for well over a decade. Now in his nineteenth season in the NBA and the league's oldest player, he can laugh things off. Upon discovering he had to pay $35,000 to the league, Shaq jokingly cried out "WHY?!" He did this repeatedly and his teammates joked that he may have to pay another fine due to his reaction. With all of the money he has made over the years, Shaquille O'Neal can definitely afford the small fine.