Shaquille O’Neal apologizes for 9/11 conspiracy posts; company posing as NBA great fired

Shaquille O’Neal has apologized to fans for a 9/11 conspiracy theory link that went up on two of his social media accounts.

The former NBA great and sports analyst said Friday that Digital Mavericks, a company he paid to post on his behalf, was responsible for the confusion. The links were promptly deleted on Thursday.

“This post was insulting and offensive, and I apologize to everyone who came across it. 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,” Mr. O’Neal said in a statement Friday, Deadspin reported.

The problematic posts said, “This might make you think twice … What do you think?” and linked to a story saying Flight 175 should not have been able to pierce the South Tower of the World Trade Center as easily as it appears on video.

The Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks perpetrated by al Qaeda and masterminded by Osama bin Laden killed 2,973 victims in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.