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Miami Heat Losing, Pat Riley & Shaquille O’Neal FeudingDecember 07 07 Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports on a possible feud developing between Shaquille O’Neal and Pat Riley: Last week, before the Heat began this six-game western swing that included Thursday’s late game against the Trail Blazers, Riley got into a spat with O’Neal and attempted to banish the center from practice. Only when backup center Alonzo Mourning intervened was the tension defused.My Very Quick Take: Type-A taskmasters and gregarious pranksters will always clash, especially when their team is losing like the Washington Generals. A Pat Riley-Shaquille O’Neal fallout is hardly surprising. These two are very different; Riley expects perfection, while Shaq is beloved because of his imperfections. Their relationship had been in trouble for some time. In training camp, Riley declared that Shaq should only get half his salary because he plays half the season. A month ago, Riley called-out his big center, questioning his play to reporters, and revoking his superstar status. Shaq, instead of gathering reporters and giving himself a new nickname or making fun of Riley’s oiled-out dome, meekly agreed with his coach. But the old school sideline boss must be careful. The Heat mortgaged the future for their 2006 NBA Title and won’t be able to trade O’Neal’s lucrative contract. For better or worse, Riley’s is stuck with his center. So expect the taskmaster and prankster to keep clashing, especially if the losing continues. What do you make of Riley and Shaq’s feud? Get at us in the comment box with your thoughts. Click here to read and subscribe to Oly Sandor’s NBA Blog. |
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