Though Shaquille O’Neal goes by many monikers, he is most affectionately known as Superman. And that moniker was even more appropriate given his dominance in the league. Shaq had to step in when Dwight Howard began using it.
But even though they left the fight over the Superman title behind them years ago, Shaq appears to have rekindled their animosity. Recently, Howard posted a video to his Instagram account showcasing his dunking prowess. He made the following caption decision:
“Superman bringing us the show.”
Shaq was quick to see this caption and chose to confront him in the comments area.
“Superman is at home on the throne with four rings. don’t compare me to no one i rather not be mentioned im offended.”
Shaq on IG in Dwight Howard’s comments pic.twitter.com/OOLEknfTQX
— tragicpatek (@tragicpatek) August 15, 2024
Dispute between Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard over “Superman”
Howard and Shaq have worn the Superman monicker together for many years. But O’Neal was the one who initially began using it, which would account for why he was always at odds with the former Laker.
After making a memorable slam dunk contest appearance in 2008, Howard was given the moniker Superman. It was Kenny “The Jet” Smith who initially referred to him by that name, and D-12 has used it ever since.
Kenny had no idea, though, that Shaq would carry a grudge for years to come. Even after ten years, O’Neal was still concerned by seeing someone else in the league utilize that title. A few years back, he brought it up in an Inside the NBA program.
Though they had fought for years over a nickname, Shaq and Howard seemed to have put their differences behind them. But it appears that the four-time NBA champion is prepared to revisit the past.
