Shaquille O’Neal is full of it.
In his new book, the erstwhile Shaq claims that President Obama ruined Rajon Rondo’s confidence by making a joke at the expense of the former Kentucky guard when Rondo was with the president at a fund-raiser.
Excerpt:
“In early March some of the guys went to the museum of Fine Arts for a fund-raiser and got to hang with President Barack Obama. Everyone was a little bit in awe. The President turns to Ray, points at Rondo, and says, “Hey, Ray, why don’t you teach this kid how to shoot?” Everyone starts laughing.
KG told me he saw the look on Rondo’s face and the kid was devastated, embarrassed. Dissed by the President, even though I’m sure Obama didn’t mean any harm. Rondo smiled and went along with all of it, but KG told me he could see it in his eyes. It bothered Rondo. It killed him.
The next day Rondo shot the ball horribly. He stopped taking shots after that. He’s so sensitive. I think it was a real jolt to hear the outside perception of a basketball fan who happens to be the President of the United States. It messed with his mind. I’m sure of it.”
The next day Rondo shot the ball horribly? Please. Rajon Rondo is a great basketball player. He is one of the best guards in the NBA. He is artistic, can create shots for his teammates. But Rondo is not a good shooter. Never has been. He’s a career 24.2 percent shooter from three-point range, and shot 23.3 percent last year. I don’t think the president had much to do with that.
I’m starting to think maybe Kobe was right.
I agree. It isn’t the President’s fault. I suspect President Obama will issue a release saying it was Congress’s or the Tea Party’s fault.