Shaq’s Archie Comics Deal Just Got Awkward

A controversy surrounding NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has reached the comic book industry just weeks before the scheduled debut of his new Archie Comics series, Vengeance Unchained: The Legend of Black Caesar. On September 17, 2026, O’Neal was named an honorary FBI Special Agent during the graduation ceremony for Session 299 of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. FBI Director Kash Patel described O’Neal as “one of the best supporters of law enforcement in the country.” The designation is honorary and does not make O’Neal a sworn FBI Special Agent or grant him investigative authority. O’Neal’s association with law enforcement is nothing new. Over the years, he has served in reserve and honorary law enforcement roles and has frequently spoken publicly about his support for police. However, accepting the FBI honor from Patel generated criticism on social media. Among those criticizing O’Neal was retired military veteran and content creator Matthew Chappelle, known online as OG Big Matt, who posted a video in which he discarded an Orlando Magic O’Neal jersey. The situation escalated when O’Neal reportedly responded directly to Chappelle on Instagram, writing, “I hear you br...