For the second time in just a few months, Shaquille O’Neal is clapping back at relationship rumors — and doing it with jokes. This time, the speculation began after a social media post suggested he was getting close to a married woman.
On Sunday, Dec. 7, the 4thQuarterTV and two other Instagram accounts shared a photo of Shaq hugging a woman from behind, adding the caption: “Shaq surprised another man’s wife with a visit, and her reaction was: My favorite guy is back in town!” The woman in the photo was identified as Monique Martin.
Martin, who runs the Florida-based sports memorabilia and management company Famous Ink, also posted the picture to her own Instagram page. “My favorite guy is back in town and of course, he stopped by to see his favorite people!! Class act always, which is why I love seeing that face pop in!!! 🏀🏀 #shaqattack #myfavoritehuman,” she wrote. Martin is a mother of three and regularly works with athletes through her business.
It didn’t take long for Shaq, 53, to respond directly to the gossip. In the comments under the viral post, he dismissed the narrative with his typical humor. “Yes, my boy’s wife,” he wrote. “I can tell y’all site is broke and needs money, nice try, this is the reason you are always gonna be a broke blog. Thanks for making me more money though #dummies.”
This isn’t the first time O’Neal has stepped in to shut down speculation about his love life. Back in October, rumors swirled after a photo emerged of the NBA legend attending the 21st birthday party of OnlyFans model Sophie Rain. The moment went viral online, with TikToker Noah Glenn Carter suggesting the two might be romantically linked.
Shaq made sure to debunk that talk just as quickly. According to TMZ, he replied in Carter’s comment section, “I don’t [date] that young, but I will date your mom and give u a brother,” a line that sparked plenty of laughs among fans.
O’Neal has consistently kept his personal life private, choosing to address rumors only when they gain traction online. His recent responses suggest he has no interest in letting social media shape his narrative — and he’s more than willing to fire back with humor when needed.
For now, Shaq seems focused on his work, his businesses, and his ongoing role on Inside the NBA. As for the rumor mill, he’s made it clear he’s not the one adding fuel to it.
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