After seeing the negative reaction to the Shaunie O’Neal/Gloria Govan confrontation on this week’s episode of Basketball Wives, we reached out to Shaunie to find out her take on the arguing and whether there was anything that went down that the public didn’t see. It turns out there was: below, Shaunie explains why they got on the subject of Gloria’s canceled wedding in the first place (she maintains that she did not meet up with Gloria to tease her). She also accepts responsibility, calling the blow-up immature and part of “a bad day.” All this and her reaction to the public’s reaction is included in the interview below…
Tell me what you think about the incident with Gloria.
It was one of those things where Royce called, and said, “Let’s go and see Gloria and Suzie because this is the only time we’ll get to see them.” She had questions for Gloria, even though they ended up not being asked. I was in Orlando with my kids, and that was the only point of being in that city. Getting that call, it was like, “All right, I’m already here, so let’s go.” We kind of go everywhere together when we’re in each other’s cities. I think the whole thing just took its own direction. As soon as we got there, everything deteriorated so fast and went to a whole other place than probably anyone wanted to go. For me, I can say it was a bad day. As I was going into the restaurant, I was thinking, “Why am I even doing this? This is just pointless and out of my character.” I should have followed my gut, but in the midst of the adrenalin and being with my girls and supporting each other, I rolled with it. I guess people are blaming this on the Laura Govan/Shaquille allegations, and it’s so not that. That’s so last year. I think everybody’s over that, including Gloria, but I don’t want to speak for her. It doesn’t come up in my life at all ever. It was other stuff with Gloria and me: there was tension there. And I guess with us all walking into that restaurant, Gloria immediately went into defense mode, which then sparked a lot of nonsense going back and forth between us.
There was also a bunch of stuff said before the world saw what it saw. There were things said before that, which would probably help make sense of why we even got to the discussion on why she didn’t get married. I think Gloria felt like she was being ambushed and that her back was against the wall so she was going to throw out whatever she possibly could throw out. I get that, but the things she did say were things we could never show on TV due to them having nothing to do with myself, Jenn, Evelyn or Royce. She was totally attacking our exes, and saying what filth and dirty and pathetic men they are, which she thought would be insulting to us. I could give a damn. You can talk about Shaquille all day. It really doesn’t matter. Your opinion of him has nothing to do with me. We were kind of laughing at her, like, “OK, so what? We know who we’re dealing with. We already know what these guys have done.” We were kind of laughing at her, and she said, “Look who you picked!” That’s when we went into, “Well, sweetie, you didn’t get married, so there must be something wrong with your dude, too.”
I think the scene would have made a little more sense with that part in tact, but with me being an executive producer, I don’t want to bash the guys. I don’t ever want that to be the show. It was really important to me to protect the guys from that crap. I wish that people could hear the whole conversation, but at the same time, I’m happy they didn’t, because that’s not what Basketball Wives is about. It’s not about bashing the guys. And this wasn’t intentional, I’m sure, on Gloria’s part, but that’s just what she came up with in the midst of the arguing. She said that that’s how I got to be miserable. And the whole bitter part? I absolutely having nothing to be bitter about. My kids and I live the same exact lifestyle we always did during my marriage and as they can see on TV, nothing has changed. We’re going on the same exact vacations, driving the same cars. No one’s hurting. I’m able to maintain my lifestyle and step away and do Shaunie. I’m in a new relationship, I’m happy. If anything, I’m in a better place than ever before. There’s nothing to be bitter about. It was just a bad day. That’s what I chalk it up to. I participated in mess due to the exchange of words that never should have been said.
Do you regret the incident?
I regret not following my gut. My gut feeling was not to even go. It wasn’t that important to me if I ever saw Gloria again. It’s not something that even crossed my mind. What happened there and what was said was absolutely natural. It was a natural reaction and I think most women would have reacted the same exact way. And like I said, it was a bad day and it was immature of us, but had people seen the conversation, they’d know that we didn’t go in there for the sole purpose of teasing Gloria about her relationship.
I think it’s also important to remember that this beef didn’t come from nowhere – you’ve said things about Gloria, and Gloria has said plenty of negative things about you guys and the show.
It says a lot that she’s back on the show. She said she’d never come back and she didn’t want anything to do with it. But she’s back and she asked to come back. Maybe that was what she wanted: those five minutes of bad-ass Gloria. I don’t know.
Any thoughts on following her out to the car?
It had gotten so heated. She was cussing everyone out and whatever, and it was like, “You’re real bad-ass here when you have 30 people in the room that you know will not let anything happen.” I mean, I’m not going to fight. That’s not in my character. But at the same time, you want to be Billy Badass, and when it wasn’t working, when attacking the guys wasn’t affecting us, then it’s up and leave. No, let’s finish.
What has the fallout over this been like? Do you feel bashed on Twitter?
Yes and no. I’m a confident person, and I know what it is. People have questioned my mothering and called me bitter, but I know I’m a wonderful mother and a wonderful human being. I get pissed off and mad and sad and react to things just like the next person. I think there are a lot of judgmental people out there. Some of the comments I read piss me off because it’s like, “You don’t know me.” If you don’t get mad and say some things and react some ways in your life at some point or another that make you think back and say, “OK, I could have dealt with that better,” then you’re not human. But it’s done, it’s said, it’s a learning experience. I don’t think anybody really needs an explanation, but it is hurtful if you question my mothering skills or question me as a person. It’s frustrating to read and listen and ignore when you want to just say, “Are you stupid?” You can’t define me in seven minutes of an edited piece of film.
I also wish that people could take a step back and realize that this is exactly why they’re watching the show. On this blog, a lot of the comments have been angrily critical of you guys, but very few have stated, “I’m not watching this anymore.” That says a lot.
The bottom line is that’s the goal. We want a successful show, but that’s not to say that we’re going on there to argue to get our success. We shot for two or three months and had plenty of good times, but unfortunately, nobody wants to see those Little House on the Prairie moments.
That’s when people would say, “This is boring. I’m not watching it anymore.”
Exactly! Tami was Twittering earlier, “You hate us so much, but you’re still watching.” Hate it or love it, we still have the views and it’s one of those things where every week, someone’s going to judge and have an opinion. We just have to deal with it. But I’ve really got some thick skin, so it is what it is.
132 responses to to Shaunie O’Neal On The Gloria Govan Ambush: It Was A Bad Day
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Shaunie, you have the wrong women representing you and the show. Drama, drama, drama all the time. Is there anything good about the show that anyone can grow from? I see why your ex doesn’t want anything to do with the show. And the other men that don’t want to be on the show. They are all to getto to be grown women. And the show should not be basketball wives, there are no basketball wives that I think would stoop that low to be on the show. Everyone is wanna be’s. Change the title to – Groupie’s that want to be a basketball wive.
Well I agreed that you are human and your buttons where pushed. I like you but I think you picked a group of women that seem awefully immature and petty especially Jennifer and Evelyn. They love tv drama. Jennifer needs to take the worlds advice and move on. Her husband does not want to work it out and Evelyn needs to pick on someone who will knock her butt out. Smoochies
Well, I must say i was disapointed in Shaunie’s behavior.
A women with al that money and a beatiful life style health children, was once married to shac is acting like that. You are around negitive people (EVELYN) for 1 and the way you all made fun of Tammy NOT COOL AT ALL. Is there not any charty work you could be doing or something positve. You clearly DONT NEED THE MONEY!!!! So i say. YOU ARE GETTO NO MATTER HOW MUCH MONEY YOU HAVE. P>S> BOSTON LOVES YOUR EX>
After reading this, it explains the situation SO much better. I agree with Shaunie. People have their days when they get out of character. However at the end of the day if you are human enough to accept that you made a mistake then that speaks volumes. Shaunie and Gloria were the only two on the show that I respected. It’s just sad that it did not work out between them two. I don’t know what happened but they seem like two mature women who can sit down and just talk things over.
While it’s sad but true, drama does raise ratings. There is a lot of immaturity in this show but if we wanted to see classy, independent women doing their thing without the drama then this show would not have lasted.
Good job Shaunie! Move and let what happened in the past stay there.
Shaunie, I was so disappointed at your behavior. Not that you care, but I had placed you above the cattiness and saw you as the voice of reason. You guys bombarded the two of them and interrupted their lunch with a bunch a nonsense for grown women. It was embarrassing and should not have happened. It may make for good tv but it leaves a sour taste in mouths. The classy thing to have been done would have been to NOT enter the restaurant. Evelyn needs to just blow stuff off and let it go. Jennifer needs some backbone and should stop listening to outsiders when it comes to her marriage. Royce is Royce and after today’s episode, Tami needs some serious help. I have never seen a food stamp either but I would not talk down to those who have had to use them. Tami should look in the mirror and say, “Thank you Jesus, that I am not where I used to be”.
Excuse the typos…I was trying to get everything in by typing too fast. I meant to say that Suzie was “not” running. By the way..I already saw tonight’s episode earlier and you’ll see just how low class Evelyn is when she crashes the party….her entitled attitude…Evelyn I’m hispanic and I’m ashamed to call you the same..you’re trash!!
Ok I saw this episode, glad Gloria stood her ground. Why do you care if she got married or not, your a bit bitter Shaunie beautiful lady but I don’t know why your really upset for what reason with Gloria because she made a comment about jealousy or her sister messed with your ex her sis is married ?? Hmm at the end blame the man he shares the bed with you not that women shell end up lonely sooner or later.
The Basketball wives represent women that have too much time on their hands. I wish I had the opportunity as you all have with fame and fortune. Even though some of you are not married take advantage of your station. Stop being high-schoolers and fighting over nothing. It is obvious you all are suffering from rejection from men who do not want relationships. Jennifer needs to get herself a career, Evelyn is mean and self centered and Shauny is working for the ratings. over all ladies get paid at all cost. lol
Sorry for the typos..too fast trying to get everything said. Suzie was “not” running is what I meant to say. I also saw tonight’s new episode earlier and talk about attitudes…Evelyn really shows who the hell she thinks she is when she crashes the party…Tami goes off. These women are a mess! Watch how rude Evelyn is. Evelyn I’m Hispanic and I’m ashamed at how low life, low rent and trashy you are….MONEY DOESN’T BUY YOU CLASS! You had that idiot Ochocinco deserve each other….two idiots marrying one another!! And learn how to speak English!
Shaunie is backpeddaling now cuz she’s embarrassed at the backlash….she’s blaming the editing…..they didn’t edit when you walked into the restaurant, sat down and started talking smack! Instead of blaming Gloria and her sister, blame your cheating husband… and get a life!
i love gloria and she stood her ground however the show needs to do whatever to bring her back next season! i love her and she is a feisty mama and she is real! they thought they were going off on her but she showed them calmly unlike suzie!!! <3 her add her back
I just want to say, these women are an embarrasement. No wonder they are in failed relationships. They need to take pointers from the dragqueens on RuPaul’s Dragrace on how to act like Ladies. Royce, you are a fool for bringing your new man around these hyenas. Evelyn is nothing more than a sweatie bully. Hun, how many enemies do you have. You are miserable. Jennifer is Evelyns shadow, and pathetic. Tammie you truly embarrased your daughters, how you acted is nothing less that trashy. Shaunie, I am disappointed to see you stoop to the level of these classless females, but like the saying goes, When you lay with dogs, you come up with fleas. Shaunie, everyone is looking at you a little different. I like the show, cause I like laughing at CLOWNS.
Thank you Shaunie for the clarification regarding the “ambush” of Gloria & Suzie at the restaurant. Even though I don’t know you personally, I found your behavior to be out of character. Not only that, when I saw the episode I was upset and found myself yelling at the TV saying No Shaunie No, you are so above that!LOL Continue to be the beautiful,smart, well respected women that you are :-)
It doesn’t matter what the excuse is…just the fact that you all went to the resturant like a gang of “mean girls” was so out of line! Take responsiblilty for your actions…it was’nt the editing…it was YOU & you should be ASHAMED! GROW UP
I think all of you ladies have a lot of courage, and have deep wounds that are healing in the process of you living your life in front of the world. Shaunie I read how you may read some of these comments and they actually bother you, don’t let it. Look at the grammar in some of them, it should speak of the intelligence for many of them on here. I actually like everyone of you ladies, I think the frustration in certain situations comes from something deeper. Everyone has a low blow ready for the next person they see. My advice may not seem much but I think Shaunie you should continue to do you, don’t let yourself get talk into the immature tactics. Evelyn you look like you are doing great and having fun, I would now not care about what suzie said, i honestly think it was mistake. Jennifer I you are beautiful, and you and your husband need positive advice, and not so much negative advice. Royce I actually think it was immature the situation you put suzie in, regardless to your intentions with Gloria, Suzie’s your friend. I love the show, and I’m going to continue watching it, for I like to see you ladies have fun, and doing it big how we sometimes only see men doing it. Regardless to how you got it, you kept it, and you look good doing it.
It is truly getting hard to watch this show. I cannot waste my time to see a bunch of immature women, most with children, acting like junior high girls from the ghetto. It just goes to show that money cannot buy you class. I was disappointed with Shaunie’s behavior at the restaurant, her comment about “her city†and giving Evelyn & Jennifer the information to the charity event knowing those 2 are never up to any good. Shaunie stated that you cannot have an event in “her city†without inviting her (referring to Evelyn) I am sorry but I thought this show was in Miami I did not know it was in Evelyn, Florida!! You learn something new every day.
Evelyn stated that Suzie always bolts out. I don’t blame Suzie. Everywhere Evelyn shows up at there is some commotion or drama. Why be around this or even be associated with people like this? I am sorry but Evelyn is an instigator and thrives on drama. I can’t believe Ochocinco would think of marrying someone like Evelyn. People need to learn the hard way. Once they marry is she leaving the show and going to “Football Wivesâ€!! Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
I find it amazing that Jennifer is so concerned about how people need to invite her and Evelyn to events especially when they are trying to get in their circle. Sad to see she never put this kind of energy into her marriage. Every time I see and hear Jennifer speak all I can think of is “If I only had a brainâ€!
I guess it was all Gloria’s fault…stop lying Shaunie…own up to the fact that you all are immature and bullies… and yes I don’t watch your show but I watch enough VH1 to know that no amount of editing could make someone look as bad as you guys…
I admit that I watch this show sporadically when I am bored and nothing else is on, however, after seeing these first few shows I am appalled at the behavior of these women. Shaunie used to seem as though she had class last season…it is gone. The rest of entertaining and i understand it is for ratings but these chicks need a etiquette class.
shaunie first of all evelyn do not run miami. i know you want your show to be a suceess and you will hear the negative and the positive. if it wasnt drama no one will watch. you are doing your thing on your own regardless of what is said on the blogs.
It is easy to sit back and say Shaunie acted immature. But how many people will sit back and let people talk crap about you, your kids, and your life? I will definitely not. If Gloria hate the girls so much why be on the show? She needs the show to pimp herself and her man I mean baby daddy. I see Shaunie as someone who don’t let people mistreat her or talk crap about her because they can. That’s my major pet peeve and in all honesty if I was Shaunie I would have punched her in her mouth. Just saying….don’t have patience for all of that. The girl was talking crap and they decided to confront her. I watched the episode and Gloria did not look like a victim. She was talking crap too, and she was talking a lot of it for someone who’s mouth olaced her in that situation. I hope what she said to Royce is haunting her now. What was it oh yes,”You will never be a basketball wife…..” I guess she won’t either!
Shaunie, no matter how you try to explain what went wrong you participated by going with what was clearly a set up by some useless two-faced person like Royce. This was a low blow, Royce pretends to be friends with Susie, but she set this whole thing up. Tell Royce that I didn’t know that there were such ugly clothes in Miami. I can’t believe that thinks that she is actually dressed up sometimes. That was mean and I apologize, but Royce’s time can be better spent by investing it in herself, growing up and learning what real women wear and what they should and shouldn’t say. Royce needs a filter.
How childish can this get, a loser, Evelyn is mad at Susie for talking about what happened in Vegas. If you’re taking care of your business, Susie wouldn’t know what you’re doing behind closed doors. When you tell people who you are getting it on with then that’s you telling your business. I’m so over people with no class (Evelyn) trying to intimidate Susie and threatening to beat her a??. If anyone is crazy enough to hit Susie then Susie should have her arrested and then sue her.
Getting back to you. I was really disappointed to see you put yourself in such a negative light. It doesn’t matter what the viewers didn’t see, you should not have been going at it with Gloria. Did you notice how none of the others had anything to say and it was just you making a fool of yourself by yourself? Gloria is not any different from anyone else, she has had relationship problems and that’s her private business. Gloria is not out trying to diss any of you about your past relationships. If Gloria said anything negative, it was a reaction to something you said. You ladies need to get real. Shaunie you can do a lot better. Go back to Shaq, he’s the father of your children. You don’t have to be out there like a loose cannon running around with this high school click.
You need to check who you call friends.
The only thing that I’m proud to say about the ambush between you and Gloria is that you stepped to Gloria and she stepped to you backing you all the way down. Gloria won this one hands down.
I AM SO PROUD OF GLORIA!!!
WTH? Why does grown a a#@ woman would care about what someone has to say about them? I agree with Gloria, yes you all are jealous of her relationship. She must have some sort of power because it took 4 silly women to approach her.
I do feel that the ambush was very very elementary. I was very shocked at Shaunie’s behavior and her “Boo-Boo” out burts.Shaunie is normally the calm one. I do respect the fact that she is human and can get upset just as we do, but to step that far out of character and to do it that fast just leaves the question, Does she act like that anyway? So far as Evelyn and Jennifer, I so agree with everyone else on how immature they are. Jennifer please please please leave your husband!!!! I have never seen a man so disengaged when the divorce conversation came about. He said very matter of fact to “Leave then”, I guess those words mean to stay and work it out. The only one in the show that appears to be making progress is Suszie. She tries tyo avoid confrontation with Evelyn as best as she can, but Evelyn knows that she won’t do or say anything that’s why she picks. I like the show for what reason I don’t know but come on ladies the acting GHETTO thing is really not becoming at all!!
Shaunie how do you feel that your children will watch you on TV being an adult bully. Instead of being shocked of what Gloria called you, you showing up at restaurant without being invited was more shocking. I think you started off the 1st season not making too many apperances, you should of continued the same on the 2nd season. I’m sure Shaq feels validated of not being with you. Your true fugly side came out shinning!
I dont understand the point of this show. Is it to see that these girls live glamourous lives. I say girls because no self respecting woman would act like they do. If Evelyn and Shaunie are truely friends, Shaunie would not let Evelyn act the way she does. The fact that this girl claims to be a business owner makes me wonder what type of individuals would actually conduct business with someone who craves drama and cause so many confrontation even when they were clearly not invited to a party they went just to cause problems. All I can say is grow up and act like ladies. Im aware that Shaunie and Evelyn are both mothers is this how they want their children to see them acting. I can see why they are exes and not really basketball wives it should be called ex basketball wives and all their drama…..
Shaunie is very immature and unhappy with her own life. If you were in orlando with your kids, why are trying to start stuff instead of spending time with them. You are very bitter and jealous of Gloria. Shaunie is a hood rat that got lucky, there is nothing classy about her. Shaunie get a life and worry about why your man wasnt happy with you and cheated on you!
Shaunie,I absolutely loved you guys in the first few episodes of Season 1. As the season progressed Evelyn just got nastier and nastier and this season you seem to be getting the same way. Jennifer I think just follows whatever Evelyn is doing. Drama is one thing, and that’s what keeps us watching, but making fools of yourselves on national television is a totally different thing. Come on, now…you guys are grown women, get with it! Best of luck! :)
I posted elsewhere that stuff had been said off camera to set Shaunie off. It didn’t look like the beginning of an argument. The show does need to show the real wives of basketball players, and to get rid of the ghetto hoodrats. It’s embarrassing. Either change the name or change the characters. Evelyn, who thinks she runs it was never a wife, and the biggest trouble maker of them all. So classless.
Shaunie – you seem to have much more class than the other girls and you seem smart. I don’t understand why you are so surprised by the fact that people are judging you? You are on a reality tv show, some people will love you, some will hate you. We judge, that’s what we do! If you didn’t want to be judged you shouldn’t have put your life on national television – I think you expected almost everyone to love you and that didn’t happen. Stop hanging out with those nasty, envious girls (E & J) – you are who you’re friend are – and they are ugly human beings!
To be honest, I think you all are very immature and have nothing better to do than to than act like a bunch of hooligans! It’s disgraceful! Not one of you women act like decent women. With all the money that you women have instead of spending it on idleness, invest in taking classes at a finishing school or an etiquette class. It’ll be money well spent! It’s so embarrassing to watch you all behave so badly. What does it say for your children watching the show and for that matter, what role models are you portraying to our young ladies! Whatever happened to women uniting instead of tearing each other apart for the sake of a man! Why can’t you all have a civil discussion without the foul language and fist fights? Please grow up once and for all.
I hear you Shaunie. Yesssss, next time follow your gut! Y’all looked like little girls running up in a restauarant to make someone talk to you. Not classy at all and not a good look!!! I know these are supposed to be your “friends”, but you might want to distance yourself from these antics with these chics.
I can’t believe that Shaunie had her nerve to intervene in Gloria’s and Suzie’s outing. It was very appalling and I expected better from her out of everyone. She was the main one instigating and probing, making her look miserable, sexless and bitter just like Gloria said. I don’t blame Gloria for not associating with these women (and I use that term loosely). She has a good relationship and doesn’t need the “circle” to interfere with it. Stay clear of the drama. Evelyn needs to find a productive hobby and focus all of her nosiness on her own daughter instead of everybody else. Jenn needs to focus on her own marriage and working it out instead of listening to these bitter women telling her to move on. MISERY LOVES COMPANY WAKE UP! Royce, I liked her last season but this season she is their little snake in the group and started the whole outing attack in the first place. Then she gets mad when they turn on her. What do you expect?? They didn’t like you before and you see how shady they are to others. Suzie needs to stop running and stand up to Evelyn, even though I see why she does. All they bring is drama. They need to get over their self pity and MOVE ON with their lives!
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