Shaquille O’Neal says Hall of Famer Bill Russell advised him to drop the wounded warrior act and blood feud against former teammate Kobe Bryant.
On Martin Luther King Day, O’Neal approached Bryant at halfcourt of the Staples Center and ended the Cold War by asking about Kobe’s daughter and family.
That was nice. Time will tell whether it is sincere.
Two things about Shaq’s reversal of attitude that make his timing suspect.
First, Kobe is playing lights out this year and could win the MVP Award. Suddenly, the league might need Kobe Bryant more than the fading Shaq. Shaq realizes it and still wants to be known as the “good guy” and wants to stay in the good graces of NBA Commissioner David Stern
Second, NBA fans grew weary of the so-called feud between the two men long ago. Shaq probably picked up the L.A. Times this weekend and saw no mention about he and Kobe’s dislike for each other.
The best way to return to the front of the sports section was to kiss and make up up with the young superstar.
He did that on Monday, and on Tuesday, his actions were front-page news in L.A.
Who said all pro athletes are unintelligent?
