Shaquille O’Neal fires social media firm that put ‘9/11 truther’ content on his blog, Facebook page: Report

You can call Shaquille O'Neal a lot of things — Superman, The Big Aristotle, Shaq Fu and Shaq Daddy to name a few — but don't ever call him a "9/11 Truther."

The retired NBA star issued a strongly worded statement Friday apologizing after an offensive post related to the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001 was spotted on his personal website and Facebook page. The since-removed posts asked if 9/11 was an inside job.

"This might make you think twice ... what do you think? #NeverForget #Remember911," read the entry on Shaq's official pages. The post included a photo of one of the planes slamming into the World Trade Center with the headline: A Close Up Video was Discovered of 9/11: You Won't Believe What It Shows!

O'Neal blamed his brand marketing company for the damning post before removing it from the Internet, according to the statement published by Deadspin.

"This post was insulting and offensive, and I apologize to everyone who came across it," Shaq said. "Once I learned that it was on my Facebook page and blog, I ordered it removed and fired the firm that posted it.

"I am not and never have been a "9/11 truther." My father served our country and I am immensely proud of the sacrifices people make daily to keep us safe. The events of 9/11 were a horrible tragedy for our nation and it's a disgrace that anyone would think otherwise."

The article recieved 5,483 likes and 2,539 shares in about three hours, according to a screengrab from the New York Post — and a whole lot of political backlash.

O'Neal had been working with an online marketing and social-media company called Digital Mavericks to post content to his official sites.

The CEO of Digital Mavericks blamed a rogue employee for the post.

"Our firm helped manage content for Shaquille O'Neal's Facebook page and blog," CEO Matt Argall said, according to Deadspin. "(Thursday), one of our employees posted a link on Mr. O'Neal's social media that related to the tragic events of 9/11. Mr. O'Neal had no knowledge of the posting.

"Further, it does not represent the views of Mr. O'Neal, our clients or our organization. We sincerely apologize. We have removed the link from Mr. O'Neal's social media and no longer manage social media content for him. We are very sensitive to the tragedy of 9/11 and apologize greatly for this post."

Shaq is a busy man — with all of his broadcasting, commercial and promotional commitments — so it's easy to give The Big Patriot the benefit of a doubt.

NFL Got It Right With DeNiro Talkin' To Us

On a day filled with numerous ceremonies commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the NFL picked the right person to narrate its own tribute to the fallen during the New York Jets/Dallas Cowboys game on Sunday night.

Oscar-winning actor, and quintessential New Yorker, Robert DeNiro was the best choice to narrate the succinct and touching tribute.

In what could have been overblown and cheesy moment, the nationally-televised event at MetLife Stadium came off as a simple salute to the military, the first responders and the lives lost ten years ago.

DeNiro's thick New York accent was the perfect voice for all the people who remember that day.  If you weren't riveted by the actor's serious tone, then the U.S. Marine playing a lonely Taps or the National Anthem performed by Lady Antebellum had to make you reflect back on a day that can sometimes be overlooked.

The star of so many tough guy films lives only blocks away from Ground Zero and was one of the city's biggest boosters after the attacks.

His Tribeca Film festival was born from the death of lower Manhattan and was just one of many projects which helped the area pick up the pieces and rebuild.

DeNiro, who has portrayed so many memorable characters in New York-themed movies from "Mean Streets," "Taxi Driver" and "Goodfellas," to the greatest boxing film ever produced "Raging Bull," pulled off the narration with flying red, white and blue colors.

On a day filled with what could be perceived as too many tributes, this was the one the whole nation saw and in a place that, nine years and 364 days before, fans could see the two towers stand sentry over the Hudson River then, a day later, be brought to their knees.

When DeNiro said, "On behalf of the NFL and grateful nation, we salute you," he was talkin' to me and every other American.

Now we can go back to our lives--somewhat.

As for DeNiro, all is now forgiven for "The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle."

Rex Ryan To Dallas Fans: Don't Wear Cowboys Stuff In Our Stadium

It looks like New York Jets coach Rex Ryan has put his foot in his mouth once again.  After being asked if he expects to see Dallas Cowboys fans in the stands during Sunday's game, Ryan gave a subtle warning to folks planning to wear ten-gallon hats.


"I don't know why they'd be here," said Ryan.  "They're coming into our stadium.  It's probably not recommended that you wear Cowboys stuff, I would think."

It wasn't the first time Ryan has called out visiting team fans but, this time, his joking couldn't have been more ill-timed-- considering the recent fan violence in Los Angeles and San Francisco this summer.

Last week, a soccer fan was beaten outside Wembley Stadium and died.

Ryan made the off-the-cuff comment while talking to reporters on Wednesday.  While it wasn't intended to incite trouble but, as usual, the outspoken head coach's words were controversial and couldn't have been more poorly timed.

The Jets meet the Cowboys on Sunday night for a prime-time game that will include a remembrance ceremony to the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.  The opening game for both teams starts at 8:20 p.m., so there will probably be plenty of boisterous Jets fans on hand.

Last October, Ryan told Green Bay Packers fans to watch their backs if they ventured out into the streets of New York wearing Cheesehead hats and green and yellow jerseys before a game in the Meadowlands

"I wouldn't want to wear Green Bay stuff coming to our stadium," Ryan warned.

Many cheese-wedge hats and Aaron Rodgers jerseys were spotted at the game, and there were no reported incidents.

Ryan has been quiet all week.  It's a somber week in New York leading up to September 11 and Ryan said it was an honor to be chosen as New York's home team on the 10 year anniversary of the attack.

"This week, I can't stand Dallas," said the head coach.  "But I'm a big fan of their next 15 games in the regular season, but I don't like them right now."

A silent Rex Ryan-- you knew it was too good to last.  Cowboys fans, remember to leave your chaps in Texas.